
God. I've never seen anything like it. There I was, nursing my third coffee on Wednesday (because who actually sleeps during Masters week?), watching the Par-3 competition when this woman in a pristine white jumpsuit steps up to the tee beside Aaron Rai. The crowd got weirdly quiet – you know that Augusta hush that makes you afraid to even breathe too loud.
Then BOOM! She absolutely striped it.
When Your Girlfriend Outshines You at Augusta
Poor Aaron Rai. Imagine making your Augusta debut and your girlfriend steals teh spotlight! The British golfer, who's playing his first-ever Masters this year, watched as his mystery partner became an instant social media sensation after landing a gorgeous shot on the green during Wednesday's Par-3 competition.
I texted my buddy who works security at Augusta: "Who IS she???" His response: "Some kind of pro herself. Everyone backstage is talking about it."

Turns out, mystery solved. That "Wag" is actually Gaurika Bishnoi – a legitimate golf star in her own right. The 26-year-old Indian golfer was her country's national champion back in 2015 and has twice been ranked #1 in the world (2017 and 2019). She currently plays on both the Indian and European tours.
That One White Glove...
Did anyone else notice she was wearing just one white glove? Classic tell-tale sign of a serious player. My editor bet me $20 that she was "just another pretty face" when we were watching the livestream. I feel stupid now for even taking that bet.
The crowd went absolutely wild when she hit that shot. Like, Masters-patrons-breaking-decorum wild. You rarely see that kind of reaction at Augusta for anything less than a Sunday hole-in-one.
Wait, Who Actually Won This Thing?
Despite Bishnoi's incredible shot (which honestly deserved its own green jacket), the Par-3 competition trophy actually went to Nicolas Echavarria and his girlfriend Claudia De Antonio. Not that anyone remembers that part...

I spent $4K on Masters tickets back in 2018 and didn't see anything half as impressive as what Bishnoi pulled off with seemingly zero pressure. And trust me, those greens at Augusta make even the pros look silly sometimes.
The WAG Parade (Because That's Still a Thing in 2025)
Augusta was crawling with golf partners on Wednesday. Sergio Garcia's wife Angela Atkins turned heads in an unbuttoned caddie outfit that probably gave some of the older members heart palpitations.
Erica Stoll was there supporting Rory McIlroy, which is... interesting... considering all the divorce rumors that were swirling around them last year. (Remember that awkward press conference? Yikes.)
Listen. I've been covering golf for 12 years now. The Par-3 contest is usually cute but forgettable – like a ghost at a family reunion. Everyone acknowledges it exists but nobody really cares. This year was different.

Day One Leaderboard (Because We Should Probably Talk About the Actual Tournament)
After the first round, Justin Rose somehow channeled his 2017 self and sits atop the leaderboard at -7. Defending champ Scottie Scheffler is lurking at -4, along with Corey Conners and Ludvig Aberg.
But honestly? I'm still thinking about that shot from Wednesday.
Wonder if Rai gets nervous with a world #1 watching his swing...
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the correct golf etiquette when playing on the course.
It is just as important to understand the rules as it is to respect golf etiquette. This includes recognizing the pace of play by being ready to take your shot when it's your turn and walking briskly between shots. Show consideration to other players by being silent and still while someone prepares to swing. Safety is important - don't play your shot until you can no longer see the group ahead. Maintain the course by fixing divots in the ground, raking the bunkers and fixing ball marks. Dressing appropriately for the dress codes of the courses you play is also polite.
How do I calculate my golf handicap?
A golf handicap is an objective measure of the golfer's ability. It allows players with different skill levels to compete in a fair manner. For a golf handicap, you must submit scores from at least a few rounds (the number will vary depending on the country's golf association). You can do this by submitting your scores to your club's handicap service or handicap committee. These scores are adjusted for the difficulty of the course and the tee from which you played, using a specific calculation method that averages the best differential scores from the rounds submitted. Your club or the national association of golf can provide detailed instructions for handicap calculations.
There is a difference in golf equipment for men and women?
Men's and Women's Golf Equipment are different. This is mainly because of differences in physicality and swing speed. Women's golf clubs tend to be lighter and have more flexible shafts, to accommodate their softer swing speeds. Club heads often have a high launch angle that helps women golfers hit the ball farther. The grips tend to be smaller for smaller hands and the aesthetic design can also differ. The best equipment for golfers should be determined by their individual ability, physical attributes, personal preferences and not strictly by gender.
It is necessary to have a golf teacher who has a degree?
It's not necessary to take professional lessons, but it can greatly improve your game. This is especially true for beginners and intermediate players. A qualified instructor can provide personal guidance, correct fundamental flaws in your swing, help you understand the intricacies of the game's mental aspect, and offer tailored advice for your unique playing style. Self-teaching can sometimes lead to ingrained bad habits that are hard to break. Even experienced golfers can benefit from periodic tune-ups by a professional to ensure that their technique is sound. Lessons provide a good return on investment and can improve your scores.
How can I improve on my golf swing?
Improving your golf swing is a matter of practice, good technique, and often, professional instruction. Start by establishing a good stance, grip and posture. You must maintain a fluid, balanced swing by maintaining a balanced stance, with feet at shoulder width apart. Slow motion practice will help you understand the different components of your swing, including the clubface alignment and point of contact. Spend time on the practice area or driving range, as well as working with a coaching professional to get personalized feedback. Consistency is important, so don't worry about hitting the ball harder, but rather focus on making a good swing.
How many golf practice sessions should I do to improve?
The quality and consistency of your practice is more important than the quantity. Two to three practice sessions per week are enough for beginners to see improvements. Spend time on all aspects of your game: long shots and short game as well as putting. Quality practice means having a clear aim for each practice session, such as working on swing technique, shot accuracy, or distance control. Incorporate professional instruction when possible to ensure your practice is effective and not reinforcing poor techniques. Remember that hitting the ball as often as possible is not as important as making every shot count.
What kind of golf clubs are needed by beginners?
A basic set of clubs will be more than enough for beginners. A standard set typically includes a driver, a couple of woods (like a 3-wood and 5-wood), a set of irons ranging from 4 to 9, a pitching wedge, and a putter. Sand wedges are also beneficial for players who play in bunkers. Professionals can carry as many as 14 clubs. This is the maximum permitted by the rules of the game. Beginners should concentrate on learning a small selection of clubs first before adding to their collection. If you are just beginning, focus on clubs that feel comfortable and easy to swing.
Statistics
- Studies show that practicing putting for at least 15 minutes before a round can improve a player's putting accuracy by as much as 25%.
- The average golfer spends about $500 on initial equipment when committing to learn the game.
- Golfers who take lessons improve their game twice as fast as those who choose to learn through trial and error.
- Beginner golfers who invest in at least five professional lessons reduce their handicap by an average of 30% faster than those who do not seek instruction.
- More than 75% of beginners who participate in structured practice report feeling more confident on the golf course.
- Approximately 2.2 million people took up the game of golf in 2020, reflecting a significant increase in interest among beginners.
- Junior golf programs have seen an increase in participation by approximately 20% over the past decade, indicating growing interest among younger players.
External Links
How To
How To Perfect Your Putting Technique
A refined putting motion can help you lower your score. To ensure a natural swing, maintain a balanced stance and keep your eyes on the ball. For control and to feel the putter, hold it lightly. Strike the ball in a smooth, straight line to the target with your wrists firmly held. Practice with intention, focusing on accuracy and distance. Drills can be used to improve your feeling for the greens. Practice putting from different distances and practice straight putts in order to strengthen consistency.