Lifestyle

Luxury Watch Boutique Time Avenue, Mumbai, in collaboration with Omega, hosted a special event to honour none other than Smriti “Simi” Mehra, India’s first female golfer to swing her way onto the LPGA Tour. A legend in her own right, Mehra’s career boasts international wins, a Top 5 finish at the 1998 British Open, and the honour of representing India at the 2008 World Cup in South Africa.

But Mehra isn’t just about birdies and trophies. She’s been a game-changer, literally. As a co-founder of the Women’s Golf Association of India (WGAI), she’s worked tirelessly to uplift women’s golf in India, mentoring young talent and ensuring future champions have the fairways paved for them.

So, what makes Omega and golf a perfect match? Both demand precision, discipline, and an appreciation for perfect timing. Just as Omega’s timepieces define horological excellence, Mehra has defined Indian women’s golf. Talk about a seamless fit!

Viraal Rajan, Director of Time Avenue, summed it up best: “It is an honour to welcome Smriti Mehra to Time Avenue. We celebrate not just the art of timekeeping with Omega timepieces but also her incredible journey. Time is a luxury, and every second counts in celebrating the art of perfect timing.”

And speaking of perfect timing, we had a quick chat with the woman of the hour.

Marwar: Why golf? Was there a moment or a person that sparked your love for the sport and did you ever dream that you’d go on to make history as India’s first woman on the LPGA Tour?

Simi: Honestly? My mom and the fact that Kwality, an ice cream brand, was a sponsor. As a kid, I loved ice cream; so, golf it was! But by the time I was 14 or 15, I knew I was going to be one of the best players in the world.

Marwar: How crucial is visibility for women’s sports? Are Indian female athletes finally getting their due, or is there still a long way to go?

Simi: Long way to go. A very long way. The women’s sports personalities that get showcased are usually the ones who are “camera-friendly”. But not everyone gets their fair share. Real stories need to be told because not every champion fits into a glossy magazine cover stereotype.

Marwar: Golf is all about precision, patience, and timing. How do these qualities align with Omega’s brand philosophy?

Simi: You know, I grew up watching James Bond—from Sean Connery to Roger Moore to Pierce Brosnan. And the first Omega watch I ever noticed was in GoldenEye. Bond, Omega, adventure, precision, skill, rebellion; it’s all one big, exciting package. I love that I get to be part of it.

Marwar: Are you a watch enthusiast?

Simi: Of course! But I don’t get too technical. If it looks good on my wrist, I’m sold.

Marwar: If you had to pick one Omega watch that reflects your personality, which one would it be?

Simi: Easy-my Constellation. Why? Because my wife gave it to me.