Brands like Omega Have a Huge Role to Play in Women’s Golf: Smriti Mehra

Smriti Mehra, popularly known as Simi, is a trailblazing Indian golfer and a pioneer in the sport. She made history as the first Indian woman to qualify for and play on the elite LPGA Tour. Her outstanding resume includes victories at foreign tournaments and a Top 5 position at the British Open(1998); she represented India in the 2008 World Cup in South Africa. Beyond her individual accomplishments, Mehra has been a tireless supporter for women's golf in India. As a co-founder of the Women's Golf Association of India (WGAI),she has played an important role in developing new talent. Her coaching and grass roots initiatives have inspired countless young golfers, paving the path for future champions.

Omega, a brand known for its dedication to precision and innovation, considers golf — a sport that requires accuracy, discipline, and technical proficiency — a natural ally. Just as Mehra has set the bar for women's golf, Omega too has set high standards in the world of watchmaking. To celebrate this common trait shared by the two icons, Time Avenue, in collaboration with Omega, hosted a special event honouring Mehra in Mumbai recently.

GMT India spoke to Mehra on the sidelines of the event about her golfing journey. Edited excerpts:

GMT India: As India's first female professional golfer, what inspired you to pursue this career? What challenges did you face during your early years?

Simi Mehra (SM): My family has been my source of inspiration. My mother is a golfer and has represented India, and that’s the reason why I started playing golf. Regarding challenges, I wasn’t thinking about them as being hurdles; I just wanted to do something and I decided to become good at it. I focused on being more disciplined, challenges or no challenges. I am a very relentless person. I don’t understand what giving up means. And that’s what has helped me get to where I am.

GMT India: Can you share your experience of transitioning from amateur to professional golf?

SM: It was a quick decision. In 1994, I won everything there was to win in both India and South-East Asia (Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, and Sri Lanka). Wherever I played, I won as an amateur, and there was nothing left to win. My dream was to play on the US Tour. I just decided to jump in and take that leap, and I just did it. There was no transition as such, if you ask me.

GMT India: What’s your assessment of the current state of women's golf in India? What changes would you like to see in the future?

SM: Women’s golf in India is growing very slowly. If I have to give an analogy, I’d say if we have a flight of stairs with 10 steps, India should have been on the 5th or6th step by now; we are barely touching the first. Regarding changes, I think people who have their skin in the game should be a part of growing the sport, people who have played the game at a certain level. I think that’s what we lack and that’s what the core problem is in any sport in India.

GMT India: How did your association with Omega begin?

SM: My association with Omega is very simple. Omega India team invited me to an Omega golf event at DLF, in Delhi. That’s where the relationship began, and it’s been great ever since.

GMT India: How do you see luxury brands like Omega supporting women’s golf?

SM: I think they have a huge role to play. Not only is Omega a luxury brand, it's an endless brand as well. It's like its name, with a recognised symbol. And what better way to grow women’s golf in India and bring it to a totally different demographic of society. And that’s what golf needs.

GMT India: What would be your advice to young women in India who aspire to be professional golfers?

SM: Learn to be disciplined, make your bed, do yoga, learn to meditate. Learn everything, learn all the ways that will make you a disciplined person in life.

GMT India: What is your dream watch or favourite watch from Omega?

SM: The one I'm wearing now was gifted to me by my wife ― it's an Omega Constellation.