A warning goes out to all those on the golfing tour to watch out for a new rising star appearing on the horizon. Inci Mehmet, 16, is a student at the Tiffin Girls’ School and has recently amazed everyone with her latest performance. She has become the youngest ever winner to achieve the title of the Surrey Ladies Golf Championship held at Hindhead Golf Club as well as also winning the under 18s draw in the same tournament, making her also the first person to win both titles in the same year. This feat can only be praised further as Miss Mehmet achieved both titles whilst food poisoned. She is also 2nd in Europe after her performance in the U.S. Kids Golf European Championship and currently 20th in the world championships. Miss Mehmet proudly represents England through her golf and has had the opportunities to play in Hungary, Spain and the United States of America.
E.B: So how did you start you golf and how long have you been playing?
I.M: I started golf when I was four but I began competing at the age of 11, so I’ve been playing seriously for about 5 years now. I used to do lots of sport such as golf, tennis, football, swimming and other activities. The main reason for me being so active was because both my parents were really busy so I had to do something to take up the time. But apparently with golf, I just had a natural flow to it and I really enjoyed it.
E.B: What is it about golf that you enjoy so much?
I.M: Well, once you’re decent at something then you want to get better. And I’m just always curious as to what more I can do and learn. Now that I’m at a decent level, I know I have potential and it’s just exciting to see how much more I can do and achieve.
E .B: What are the most important characteristics or features needed for a golfer?
I.M: You have to be able to deal with pressure. Also, focus is very important. Although practising it can be boring, if you’re going to compete, you need to make sure that it’s good. You obviously need to love golf like with any sport but also you need to be motivated to do well.
E.B: What is your most prominent memory in your golfing experience?
I.M: I remember when I went to the world championships in America and I saw my name on this massive screen with a player profile, telling you the age, the country you’re playing for and other facts. And just seeing my face and the British flag on that screen with me there in the world championships was quite cool!
E.B: What is the best tournament or championship that you have participated in?
I.M: Well, this year, I have decided to start in small tournaments and build up so I didn’t let myself play in anything big or out of my league. But I am hoping to play in the British Open. It’s the biggest tournament in England and a professional event. On July 15th I have a pre-qualifying round. The top 20 from that round qualify for the national stage and you play another qualifying round. The top 15 can qualify from that to play in the actual British Open, so my goal this year would be to get through both rounds to qualify for the British Open with professionals. That would be really cool! But I also want to participate in the upcoming Olympics as well.
E.B: Who is your role model and why?
I.M: Definitely my mum. But golf-wise, it will be Rory McIlroy and Tiger Woods, only because they have changed the whole nature of golf. It used to be an “old-man” sport so before Tiger, nobody went to the gym or had any diets. But as soon as he came, he completely changed it around and he was the first golfer to start going to the gym among other things. So now everyone does it and after tournaments, all you can see is the players in the gyms. So he’s completely changed the sport and brought it up to a higher level.
E.B: What are your hopes for the future in golf?
I.M: I want to go on tour. I should say to become the best golfer in the world, but realistically to get into the top 10 would be cool! Also, like I said to get into the British Open this year and then the 2016 Olympics because that’s the first time that golf will be ever be played in the Olympics. Actually, next year I also want to play in the Youth Olympics and that will be a good start. In the long term, just become successful and if I do make it, I want to give back and have my own business.
E.B: Do you have any tips for young budding golfers?
I.M: Yeah, just to find out the reason as to why you like it and go towards that but always make it fun. If you do think that you have got potential then never, ever give up as you can be knocked down, but never knocked out. I have also got my own quote: “You’re not born with strength and you’re not born with skill, but you are born with potential.”
E.B: Final question. How do you manage all your school work alongside playing so much golf?
I.M: Obviously Tiffin Girls’ School gives me lots of support, like free periods and they also support my golf alongside my studies. But I have recently got a scholarship for Wellington College next year which will help me a lot as everything is free and so will provide a massive amount of support. They have a golf course there so I will be able to practise my golf every day. And it’s also the fact that everyone is always around me and supporting me, so it’s always nice.
