I just want to soak it all in Paris Olympics, says Sarawak golfer Ashley

KUCHING: Sarawak golfer Ashley Lau aims to soak everything in at the Olympic Games and learn from her experience playing there.

She said she has no expectations at the Games and aims to make every moment count.

“I have no expectations and just want to soak everything in and learn from it.

“Definitely a lot of nerves and pressure but I will try my best to block that out and really just focus on my game,” she told Sarawak Tribune.

The 24-year old is the first Sarawakian woman golfer to participate in the Olympics.

Ashley said she draws inspiration from golfers she grew up watching on television and aims to be where they are.

“The people I looked up to change as I grew up, but just from watching them on TV inspired me to also play good golf and be where they are,” she said.

Ashley will be the third female golfer from Malaysia to compete in the Olympics, following Kelly Tan, who participated in the last two Games, and Michelle Koh, who competed in 2016.

The Bintulu resident said in order to maintain a balance between her professional career and personal life, she approaches her practice with a plan to maximise its quality and ensures that she allocates time for personal activities and allows herself rest days to recover.

When asked what message she would give to young women and Sarawakians looking to pursue a career in golf, she said that it was important to “trust the process” and “believe in yourself”.

“It’s going to be hard and sacrifices would have to be made.

“Trust the process and believe in yourself, a lot of it comes down to a positive mentality,” she added.

The women’s golf events at the Paris Olympics starts Aug 7.