Malaysia’s Ashley Lau is enjoying her hectic but extremely successful maiden outing in the United States, which has resulted in two wins so far on the Future Champions Golf (FCG) Tour’s Californian swing and qualification for the U.S. Girls’ Junior Championship at Poppy Hills in Pebble Beach later this month.
“It’s my first time in the U.S. and I didn’t know what to expect … so I’m more than happy with my results,” said Ashley, who was recently named to the Malaysian women’s team for next month’s Asian Games in Jakarta.
The 18-year-old turned in a stunning performance at the FCG International Junior Golf Championship which ended on Tuesday, carding rounds of 66, 69 and 68 at Sycuan Resort to win the Girls’ 15-18 division by 10 shots. The victory earned Ashley a place in next week’s IMG Academy Junior World Championships at Torrey Pines.
With coach Fergal
“I really hit the ball well when I shot 66 in the first round. Everything was good. In the last two rounds, my ball-striking was a little off but my overall game came together well,” noted Ashley, who credited a week-long intensive stint with coach Fergal McGeown in her hometown of Bintulu, Sarawak, as the foundation for her U.S. success.
Prior to the win at Sycuan, Ashley earned her place in the U.S. Girls’ Junior via the qualifying event at Vista Valley in San Diego (June 26) and followed that with a one-shot victory over compatriot Liyana Durisic in the FCG World Series Champions Cup at Pala Mesa Resort (June 27-28).
Noting that the heavy schedule was tough, Ashley is glad to have a few days’ rest before the four-round Junior World Championships which starts on July 10.
“Playing lots of events can be hard mentally and physically, but I have a few days’ rest before the Junior World to recharge and I hope to keep in good form,” said Ashley.
Ashley’s last Californian gig before heading home will be the prestigious U.S. Girls’ Junior at Poppy Hills (July 16-21), which consists of two rounds of strokeplay with the top 64 and ties progressing to the match-play stage.
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