Aditi Ashok looks at improved show

SAMMAMISH (USA): Coming off a creditable tied 17th-place finish last week, India's top golfer Aditi Ashok will look to carry that form into the $10.4 million KPMG Women's PGA Championship that begins at the Sahalee Country Club here on Thursday.
The 26-year-old Aditi shot four straight sub-par rounds - for only the second time this season - for an aggregate of 10-under 278 at the LPGA Classic."I did a lot of good things throughout last week, so that gives me confidence going into this week," Aditi said here on Tuesday.
The Bengalurean, who had a splendid 2023 with five top-10 finishes, has fired only in fits and starts this season. However, Aditi has the game and the ability to turn things around. "Even though my game feels good, I think I haven't had any great finishes yet. Hopefully I can put together four good rounds and have more chances to win this year."
In four of the previous five years, the PGA Championship has seen a first-time Major winner, including world No. 1 Nelly Korda (2021). So, if Aditi can stitch together four good rounds, she could walk away with the winner's purse of $1.56 million on Sunday.
With a premium on accuracy at the picturesque par-72 layout, Aditi, known for her accuracy off the tee, would hope to make it count. "I think the golf course will suit my game as I drive pretty straight, and I think that will be the key to playing well at Sahalee," said Aditi, who will get a feel of the course on Wednesday.
The Asian Games silver medallist will have to contend with nine past champions, besides a plethora of big names in the third Major of the season. Leading the charge will be Nelly Korda, who won the first major of the season besides five other events this year. The 25-year-old, however, comes into the event on the back of two straight missed cuts.