SANTA BARBARA, Calif. (July 21, 2023) - Monumental figures have planted the seedlings of tenacity that orient Rajvir Bedi. Motivation from loved ones and influential stories of triumph have taken root and sprouted a mentality of  unwavering optimism in his game. However, role models are only part of Bedi's success–immense passion bolsters the golfer's incredible work ethic. Once motivated by inspirational players, Bedi now seeks to become one. 

The San Jose, the California native grew up on the golf course. He was introduced to the game by his father, Rohti Bedi. At just three years old, Bedi took a club in hand and was captivated. From his first step onto the green all the way to national events in high school, Bedi honed an influential athletic spirit.

Currently, Bedi thrives as a dedicated student-athlete at UC Santa Barbara. The Golden Eagle award recipient has struck the "sweet spot" in both academics and the game of golf. The award, which honors athletes who exhibit citizenship and integrity while possessing a minimum 3.25 GPA, was given to Bedi in 2021, recognizing the athlete's discipline in all aspects of life. With careful time management, a strict routine, and a positive attitude, the student-athlete possesses a  "work-hard, play-hard" state of mind. 

However, Bedi's path towards greatness was not linear. Shortly after arriving at UC Santa Barbara, Bedi's upward trajectory momentarily flattened. Upon being thrown into an unfamiliar college environment, Bedi struggled to find his footing with his newfound independence– a struggle that carried over to the course. The athlete recalls falling into an athletic slump, a period of wavering spirit during his freshman and sophomore year. With a stretch of discouraging performances during his introduction to college competition, Bedi grappled to keep his head high. Additionally, in June 2020, the golfer's struggle was intensified with a back injury in the midst of the COVID pandemic. Stepping back from the course for several months during recovery put a true test to the golfer's determination. 

In navigating this period of wavering confidence, Bedi looked towards his idols— some closer to home than the headlines. Bedi's childhood friend, Ian Giligan, received a cancer diagnosis during his freshman year of college but remained undeterred. The athlete from Long Beach State beat all odds to become the best ranked collegiate golfer in the nation. The story of tremendous perseverance acts as a major inspiration to Bedi as he asserts that "no matter what setbacks you have or where you come from, you never know how far dedication and hard work can take you." 

Bedi states that his resilience in pushing through tough situations is a result of  "having the right attitude towards the game." He maintains, "It's easy to get down after a bad round or a bad shot, but I've started to see those negative outcomes are stepping stones to get better. If I have a bad round, it sucks, but I still have to get up the next day and go work at it again. On the other side if I play well, that's awesome, but I still have to get up the next day and prove I can do it again."

While navigating the "rough" in his first two years as a Gaucho, Bedi's utilized patience and gratitude when surmounting deterrence. Bedi recalls an instance in which these attitudes were crucial to his success. Upon coming off a tough stretch in brutal conditions during a previous tournament at UC Santa Barbara's home course, Sandpiper Golf Club, Bedi's tie for fourth was a reward. The golfer remembers proud feelings of accomplishment, "It felt good to see the hard work paying off in front of my parents who have watched me my whole life." The Gaucho constantly reminds himself that "everything happens for a reason. I just need to stay patient and trust the process."

Now, the pay-off is obvious. The golfer is on the up-and–up, conquering the course while notoriously owning the nickname "Fear the Vir. '' Before matches, tunes and a mantra hype Bedi up to play at his best. With Adele on shuffle, the golfer reminds himself that "I have nothing to lose, but I have everything to gain." 

As a current fourth year, the devoted economics major possesses keen interests in business and finance. Additionally, previous research and internships prompted corporate world aspirations of entrepreneurship and Venture Capital investing. Aside from usual days of workouts, classes, and practice, Bedi greatly enjoys playing basketball at the Recreation Center, hanging out with friends, hiking and trying new foods. Overall, Bedi takes advantage of all his school has to offer, professing that UC Santa Barbara has "molded me into a better person and made me more responsible and independent" 

The athletes ambition to play professional golf extends beyond 18-holes. Bedi insists, "it's important to inspire others, and I want to be a role model for other people, teammates, peers, my sister, and even the next generation. One of my teammates had a great impact on me as he helped me through my golf struggles. He told me something that I think is so important for athletes or anyone: You can have all the talent in the world, but there truly is no substitute for hard work." 

From being inspired by role models to becoming a role model, Rajvir Bedi's ability to keep his chin up in moments of deterrence demonstrates his tremendous dedication to excel in all avenues of life. "Driving" with endless initiative, Bedi looks to the flag in the distance, aiming to "inspire people to work hard and do the things they love with passion, confidence, happiness, and perseverance, whether it is sports, business, medicine, or beyond."