Simi Mehra, India’s first female golfer to play on the LPGA Tour, has paved the way for women in the sport with her resilience and passion. In this exclusive conversation, conducted at Time Avenue, Mumbai, for Omega Watches, she reflects on her journey, the evolution of women’s golf, and her association with Omega.
About Time Avenue: Established as one of India’s leading luxury watch retailers, Time Avenue in Mumbai is known for its exclusive collection of high-end timepieces. Catering to horology enthusiasts and collectors, it provides a premium experience for those who appreciate precision, craftsmanship, and timeless elegance.
About Omega Watches: A true icon in the world of horology, Omega has set the standard for precision, performance, and innovation since its founding in 1848. The Swiss luxury watch brand has a long-standing legacy in sports timekeeping, serving as the official timekeeper of the Olympic Games since 1932. Omega has also been the trusted companion of astronauts, including the Apollo 11 mission, making it the first watch worn on the moon. Known for its pioneering spirit, Omega continues to lead in watchmaking technology with its Co-Axial escapement and Master Chronometer certification, ensuring the highest level of accuracy and durability. Beyond its technical excellence, Omega is synonymous with elegance, adorning the wrists of world-renowned athletes, celebrities, and visionaries. Its commitment to sports is evident in its partnerships with golf, swimming, athletics, and even sailing—making it a fitting choice for professional golfer Smriti Mehra.
Breaking Barriers: The Journey to the LPGA Tour
Q: You were the first Indian woman to play on the LPGA Tour. What were the biggest challenges and breakthroughs in your journey?
Smriti Mehra: The biggest challenges, aside from financial constraints, were adapting to a new country and lifestyle. I landed in Los Angeles and had to drive on the right side of the road immediately-no practice, just straight into it! My brother’s advice? “Just follow the car in front of you.” But honestly, the transition wasn’t as daunting because I made incredible friends who became my family. Americans are extremely hospitable and generous, I stayed in people’s homes because I couldn’t afford hotels, and those bonds have lasted decades. They welcomed me like I was one of their own, cooked meals for me, and truly made me feel at home. That kind of kindness and generosity helped me survive and thrive on tour.
Golf itself was another challenge. Competing at the highest level requires immense mental toughness. There were days when I doubted myself, especially as the only Indian woman on the LPGA Tour at the time. But I stayed focused, disciplined, and determined to prove that Indian women belong on the global stage of golf.
The Evolution of Women’s Golf
Q: What has changed the most in women’s golf over the years?
Smriti Mehra: Media coverage has significantly improved. When I started, women’s sports were barely covered. Now, we see more visibility and recognition. Additionally, co-founding the Women’s Golf Association of India was a major step forward in growing the sport for future generations. Back then, there were barely any structured programs for women in golf. Now, we have young girls who see golf as a viable career, and that shift in mindset is incredible.
Q: What advice would you give to young female golfers aspiring to play at an international level?
Smriti Mehra: Discipline is key. Motivation can be temporary, but discipline is permanent. If you learn to be disciplined, you will succeed—not just in golf, but in life. Golf is not just about talent; it’s about consistency, resilience, and having the ability to push yourself even when no one is watching. Learn to manage time, practice diligently, and stay mentally tough. Success will follow.
The Omega Connection: Time, Precision, and Golf
Q: How did your association with Omega begin?
Smriti Mehra: Omega India team invited me to a golf event with Omega at DLF, in Delhi. That’s where the relationship began, and it’s been great ever since. Omega has such a rich history in sports and precision timing, so the connection with golf felt natural.
Q: How important is time management in golf?
Smriti Mehra: It’s everything. If you’re not on time, you don’t play. If you don’t play, you don’t earn. Time is as important as putting food on the table in this sport. Every second counts— whether it’s sticking to a practice schedule, ensuring you’re on the tee box at the right moment, or making split-second decisions during play. Omega understands that level of precision, which is why I appreciate their dedication to perfect timing.
Q: Do you see a connection between golf and luxury watches in terms of precision and craftsmanship?
Smriti Mehra: Absolutely. Golf is all about skill, precision, and mental toughness. Similarly, watchmaking is an art that requires the same attention to detail. Omega embodies that perfection. Every stroke in golf, like every movement in an Omega watch, must be perfectly calibrated for the best outcome. Just like a great golfer, a great timepiece is the result of years of refinement and dedication.
Q: If you could design a golf-specific Omega watch, what features would it have?
Smriti Mehra: Wind direction! That would be a game-changer for golfers and even sailors.
Imagine having a watch that could analyze wind speed and direction in real time. It would take so much guesswork out of shot planning, especially on challenging courses.
A Lifelong Passion for Golf
Q: Where did your love for golf begin?
Smriti Mehra: I grew up in Kolkata, home to the Royal Calcutta Golf Club, the oldest golf course outside the British Isles. My mother, Billie, was a golfer, and growing up, everyone called me “Billie ki beti” (Billie’s daughter). That pushed me to make my own name, and today, people know my mom as Simi’s mother.
Q: Your mother supported your journey as a golfer. How did that shape you?
Smriti Mehra: My mother was independent and gave me the freedom to chase my dreams. She put me on a plane to America with some money and said, “If you don’t succeed, you’ll have to come back and get married.” That was motivation enough! I was determined to make it, and I feel incredibly blessed to do what I love for a living.
Q: Is there anything else you’d like to say?
Smriti Mehra: Golf has been my greatest passion, and I consider myself lucky to have turned that passion into a profession.
Smriti Mehra’s journey is one of grit, passion, and breaking barriers. From being a pioneer in Indian women’s golf to her association with Omega, she continues to inspire generations of golfers. Time, after all, is as crucial in golf as it is in life.
