Da Nang, Vietnam | March 4, 2025: Riding high on her recent success, Indian golfer Mannat Brar is aiming for a standout performance as she captains a talented six-member Indian team at the prestigious 2025 Women’s Amateur Asia-Pacific Golf Championships (WAAP) in Da Nang, Vietnam.
"I have had a good year in 2024 and also in early 2025. Hopefully, I can do better in WAAP also," Mannat stated confidently. She plans to remain amateur for a couple more years to gain valuable experience playing on renowned international courses before turning professional.
Highlighting the importance of WAAP, Mannat added, "The WAAP is easily the best event we in Asia get to play, and the incentives are fantastic with starts at some of the Majors."
Mannat Brar: India's Rising Golf Star
At just 17, Mannat Brar has quickly become a household name in Indian amateur golf. The current All India Ladies champion made history last year in Yorkshire by becoming the first Indian golfer to reach the semi-finals of the esteemed R&A Girls Championship. Mannat, now preparing for her fourth WAAP appearance, also impressed recently by securing a commendable third-place finish in a professional golf event in India."I have had a good year in 2024 and also in early 2025. Hopefully, I can do better in WAAP also," Mannat stated confidently. She plans to remain amateur for a couple more years to gain valuable experience playing on renowned international courses before turning professional.
Highlighting the importance of WAAP, Mannat added, "The WAAP is easily the best event we in Asia get to play, and the incentives are fantastic with starts at some of the Majors."
Strong Indian Team Aims High
Joining Mannat on the Indian Golf Union's (IGU) squad are promising players Zara Anand, Saanvi Somu, Heena Kang, Kashika Misra, and Guntas Kaur Sandhu, all of whom have made their mark on India's domestic IGU circuit.Zara Anand: Highest Ranked Debutant
Zara Anand enters the WAAP as India's top-ranked debutant, positioned just outside the top 400 in global rankings, trailing closely behind Mannat. Zara reached the semi-finals at the 2024 All India Ladies championship and was a finalist in 2023.Saanvi Somu and Heena Kang: WAAP Experience
Both Saanvi Somu and Heena Kang bring prior WAAP experience, having represented India last year in Thailand. Saanvi notably made the cut on her debut, demonstrating significant potential.Kashika Misra and Guntas Kaur Sandhu: Domestic Champions
Kashika Misra, another debutant, recently showcased her skill by clinching the Northern India Ladies Championship, notably outperforming Mannat in that event. Similarly, Guntas Kaur Sandhu made headlines by winning the competitive Maharashtra Ladies event against a strong field, including Mannat, Zara, and Heena.Indian Golfers Excel in Pro Circuits
An interesting aspect of the Indian team's strength lies in their experience on India's professional circuit, the Hero Women’s Pro Golf Tour. Saanvi has consistently shone, finishing runner-up four times, while Mannat, Zara, and Heena have delivered strong performances among professionals.India’s Historic WAAP Performances
India’s previous best finishes at WAAP came from Anika Varma (T-9 in 2021) and Avani Prashanth (T-10 in 2024). Avani has since moved to the professional ranks, setting the stage for Mannat and her teammates to chase history in Vietnam.WAAP: Pathway to Major Championships
The WAAP, developed by The R&A and Asia-Pacific Golf Confederation, offers extraordinary opportunities for Asia’s top amateur women golfers. The champion earns coveted invitations to major tournaments, including:- AIG Women’s Open
- Amundi Evian Championship
- The Chevron Championship
- Elite events like the Hana Financial Group Championship, ISPS HANDA Women’s Australian Open, the 122nd Women’s Amateur Championship, and the prestigious Augusta National Women’s Amateur.