Royal Wellington (New Zealand), Feb 11 (NationPress) Zara Anand is set to spearhead a four-member Indian squad representing the Indian Golf Union (IGU) at the esteemed World Amateur Asia-Pacific (WAAP) tournament kicking off in Wellington this Thursday. This highly regarded event is organized by The R&A (Royal & Ancient, Scotland), the global authority on golf regulations, in partnership with the Asia-Pacific Golf Confederation (APGC).

The champion of the World Amateur Asia-Pacific secures invitations to participate in three major tournaments – the AIG Women’s Open, the Amundi Evian Championship, and The Chevron Championship. Additionally, it opens doors to prestigious events like the Hana Financial Group Championship, Women’s Australian Open, The Women’s Amateur Championship, and the Augusta National Women’s Amateur, making it a highly coveted competition for female amateurs worldwide.

Zara, who tied for second place in the initial rounds of the Ladies European Tour (LET)-sanctioned Women’s Indian Open, has showcased remarkable talent over the past two seasons, including a top-10 finish in last year’s Queen Sirikit Cup. She was recognized as the best amateur of the event, ultimately concluding in a tie for 15th place overall.

Currently ranked World No. 287, Zara has been on the verge of victory on the Women’s Professional Golf Tour four times since last year. She is joined by Guntas Kaur Sandhu (World No. 545), Ananyaa Sood (581), and Jia Kataria (584) in New Zealand.

“My results last year were quite fulfilling, including a top-10 finish at the Queen Sirikit Cup. I started 2026 on a high note with two top-3 finishes on the Hero Women’s Pro Golf Tour. Competing against professionals has significantly boosted my confidence over the last 5-6 months, and I aim to maintain this momentum at the Women’s Amateur Asia-Pacific. This is a prestigious event as it provides opportunities for winners in three major championships. I extend my gratitude to the Indian Golf Union for offering amateurs like us such invaluable international exposure,” Zara stated.

Guntas Kaur Sandhu also had an outstanding domestic season, clinching victories four times on the IGU circuit, including the Gujarat Ladies & Junior Girls Amateur, Eastern India Ladies & Junior Girls Amateur, Southern India Ladies & Junior Girls Amateur, and the Maharashtra Ladies & Junior Girls Amateur Golf Championships. She finished third in the 2025 IGU All India Ladies & Junior Girls Amateur Championship.

Commenting on the course conditions, Guntas remarked: “Royal Wellington is a stunning golf course with incredible views. We completed two practice rounds, and the course plays true like any parkland layout. With my successful results last year, I am optimistic about maintaining my form in the tournament. Events like these provide a much-needed confidence boost as we compete against some of the best golfers globally, and I want to thank IGU for this opportunity.”

Jia Kataria is a US Collegiate golf scholar and has consistently excelled there, achieving four titles last season, including the LTU Spring Break Invitational, SSAC Women’s Golf Championship, Seahawk Shootout, and Lady Roadrunner Fall Invite.

Ananyaa Sood won the US Kids United Arab Emirates Championship last year, alongside four top-10 finishes in the UAE. She also excelled in the Robert Rock Junior Golf Tour UAE Championship and the Tommy Fleetwood International Pathway Series in the UAE.

Overall, the Indian team appears poised for a remarkable experience in New Zealand.