From Badminton to Golf: Mela’s Path to Success

In this week’s episode of the Working Title Female Podcast, we had the pleasure of sitting down with Mela, a distinguished golfer whose achievements span the globe. With a career that includes being the first Indonesian player competing on the LPGA circuit, currently on the Thai LPGA tour, a 4x medal winner in the Indonesian National Golf Championship, a former player for the Purdue Boilermaker, 2019 Big Ten Champion, and Academic All-Big Ten, Mela’s journey is both impressive and inspiring.

Early Days and the Spark for Golf

Mela’s athletic journey began early in Indonesia, where she was first drawn to sports that ran in the family, thanks to her athletic grandmother. However, it was a spontaneous trip to the driving range with her father that truly set the course for her future. “I didn’t grow up with golf, but one day my dad took me to the driving range, and that was it—I was hooked,” Mela recalls with a smile.

Navigating New Challenges: From Bali to the Big Ten

Transitioning from Bali’s warm climate to the chilly winters of Indiana was just one of the challenges Mela faced when she joined Purdue University. Adapting to a new culture and language wasn’t easy, but Mela’s determination—and the support of her teammates—helped her thrive. One humorous yet telling moment she shared was missing her first exam because she didn’t realize what a syllabus was. “I didn’t know what a syllabus was until I missed my first exam!” she laughs, reflecting on her early days in college.

Golf as a Lifelong Commitment

For Mela, golf is much more than a sport—it’s a lifelong journey that teaches invaluable lessons in patience, focus, and resilience. These qualities, combined with her family’s unwavering support, have been key to her success. “Golf is a sport you can play for a very long time. It teaches you how to deal with adversity and stay focused, no matter what,” she explains.

Breaking Barriers for Indonesian Golf

One of the most significant milestones in Mela’s career was becoming the first Indonesian golfer to compete in an LPGA event. This achievement not only highlights her personal success but also marks an important step for Indonesian golf on the global stage. Competing at this level gave Mela a profound appreciation for the dedication and hard work required to excel. “Seeing how much effort these athletes put into their game was eye-opening. It made me realize how much more there is to achieve,” she says.

Encouraging the Next Generation

Mela’s advice for parents of young girls interested in sports, especially golf, is both insightful and straightforward: encourage exploration, ensure they have fun, and always support their choices. “Let them try different sports, and when the time comes, let them choose what they love. The most important thing is to support them however you can,” she emphasizes.

Mela’s journey is a powerful testament to the importance of passion, perseverance, and support. Her story is not only an inspiration for aspiring golfers but also for anyone determined to pursue their dreams, no matter the challenges.

Stay tuned for more conversations like this on the Working Title Female Podcast, where we celebrate the achievements of remarkable women in sports.