There’ still tim to drea
Vinisha hopes to join the paid ranks one day, but for now studies come first for the aspiring dentist.
TURNING professional is the dream of many a junior golfer and 15-year-old Vinisha Gunaseelan is no different.
However, when it comes to her priorities, this teenager quickly points out that her studies get top billing and that she aspires to be a dentist.
“I’m focused on my studies at Stars International Academy,” said the five-handicapper during an interview, with her mother present.
“But I also get to practise and play a lot of golf.
“At the moment my plan is to complete my studies and turn professional after that,” added the talented Vinisha, who also plays the piano and sings in a choir.
It is clear that music excites Vinisha, who volunteered that her favourite song is Faded by Alan Walker.
But the subject of golf is one that she obviously has a greater love for.
“I started playing golf when I was nine years old. And that was when I accompanied my father to the driving range.
“Now my brother Jay and I both play golf; I play off five and he plays off six (handicap). Although my father is just a social golfer, he loves the game.”
Still on the subject of golf, Vinisha said she played “well” at the 51st Malaysian Amateur Closed that was run concurrently with the 49th Kedah Amateur Open at Darulaman Golf & Country Club in Jitra, Kedah.
“I finished in a tie for third place. I had rounds of 72, 78 and 70, and really played well allround. My driving was consistent, hitting a lot of fairways.
“My up-and-down was solid when I did miss the green and I putted great, sinking all of them from inside 10ft.
“Overall, it was a good tournament for me and I think I handled the tricky greens well.”
Asked who had the most influence on her golf career thus far, Vinisha singled out her parents and went on to list a host of others whom she credits with helping her game.
“My brother Jay, for sure,” she said. “Also my late aunt Visalacthi and uncle Surenderan, my best friend and fellow golfer Audrey Tan, KGNS club fitter David Tang, Malga executive director Datuk Rabeahtul Abbas and the staff of the Pinnacle Fitness Club.”
The former Convent Bukit Nanas student said that her home course, Danau Golf Club in Bangi, had also contributed to her development as a player.
“That course is tough. But I feel it has helped me become a better player.”
Of the tract that she likes the most, Vinisha said the Desaru Coast’s Valley Course in Johor was her favourite.
“I played the Ocean Course there as well, but the Valley is really nice and I like it a lot,” said Vinisha, whose father Cdr Gunaseelan has been an officer with the Royal Malaysian Navy for more than 25 years and is based in Johor.
“Johor is my favourite holiday destination. I like fishing and playing golf there.”
Having shot her best-ever round of 70, there’s no telling what Vinisha can achieve in the future. One thing’s for sure, this determined young lady looks set to achieve her dreams.