With the women's golf tournament at the Paris 2024 Olympics beginning this Wednesday, first-time Olympian Ashley Lau will be teeing off at 10:33AM local time (4:33PM MYT) together with Italy’s Alessandra Fanali and Finland’s Ursula Wikstrom. Recently, Golf Matters had the opportunity to have a short chat with the Malaysian to learn more about her!
1. Where's your hometown and how old are you?
I'm from Bintulu, Sarawak, and I turned 24 this year.
2. The one emotion you felt when you found out you qualified for the Olympics?
Excitement, for sure.
3. It's your first time at the Olympics, how did it feel to join the opening ceremony?
I really loved the baju kurung, it was simple yet elegant. My favourite part of the outfit was the selendang, I think that was a nice touch.
4. Your favourite part from the Opening Ceremony?
What made it memorable was definitely the audience. Even when it was pouring, the people were still out there waving their flags and showing their support. I saw a few Malaysian flags too and that made me more energized about everything.
5. How are you feeling leading up to the event?
I think a big thing for me has been the mental part of my game. After returning from Australia to the Epson Tour, I started having doubts about my performance. My goal now is to enjoy playing golf again and not put too much pressure on myself. Definitely going into this tournament as an underdog, and maybe I'll surprise someone!
6. How did you start golf?
My dad introduced golf to me, and we started at my home club, Bintulu Golf Club.
7. How has Paris been so far?
The experience so far has been really cool. From witnessing the Olympic rings on the Eiffel Tower, the Olympic village and exchanging pins with other countries, it's all a good experience.
8. The most memorable moment of your career so far?
Winning the Vic Open early in the year.
9. Prepping through the week, what do you think you'll be focusing on?
Looking at the layout, I'm expecting a lot of long approaches to the greens and putting more focus on lag putting practice.
10. On top of playing for Malaysia, is there anybody else you feel like you're out there playing for this week?
Definitely my family, especially my parents. They've sacrificed a lot, even when they've been discreet about it since we don't talk about stuff like that.
11. What's the one Olympic experience you want to gain while you're there?
Go watch badminton and support Malaysia!
12. How is it meeting other athletes from different sports?
You see all the different athletes and sometimes I look at them and be like, wow they're so muscular. And I understand since they may be athletes from wrestling and rugby where they differently, but I can't help and have the small thought of looking unfit when I stand beside them.
13. What's the one food that you feel like you need to have while in Paris?
Pain Au Chocolate and croissants!
14. What's the strongest part of your game?
Putting.
15. One song that's been on repeat for you right now?
Shopper by IU!
16. What would you be if you're not a golfer?
That's a tough one, but I would love to be a travel vlogger!
17. Where do you see yourself in five years?
Winner on the LPGA Tour.
18. Last one, what's your favourite Malaysian food?
There's so many I always miss when I'm away. It's either roti canai or chicken rice, but I think my favourite has to be chicken rice whenever I'm back home.
