APGC Junior Champion Lau Shows Her Steely Mettle

Hong Kong: An improved mental approach allied to sound technical basics proved key factors in Arianna Lau’s triumph in the 2023 Asia-Pacific Golf Confederation (APGC) Junior Championships.

In testing conditions at Manila’s Orchard Golf & Country Club last week, the Hong Kong teenager overturned a three-shot deficit with a composed closing 69 to score a notable success in the girls’ individual tournament.

By her own admission, the result surpassed the expectations of the hard-working and dedicated 15-year-old who is poised to break into the top-200 in the World Amateur Golf Ranking (WAGR) for the first time and become a subject of attention for talent-seeking recruitment coaches to American colleges.

“I didn't really expect this result,” admitted Lau, reflecting on a victory to go with two wins in Singapore in 2022 and a successful defence of her Hong Kong Junior Close Championship title last month.

“At the start (in Manila), my goal was to place in the top five. But after the second round, I felt I had a chance to go into the top three. But I guess I didn’t really expect much from myself. I didn’t really give myself a goal-orientated target. I was more mentally focused on my own game.

“I’ve worked hard to improve every aspect of my game, but ultimately I think my biggest improvement has been on my mental game,” added Lau, citing the fact that she never lost focus of the task at hand, not even during a final-day mid-round weather delay.

“After I finished the back nine, there was thunder around for an hour. I forced myself not to look at the leaderboard, because I didn’t want to lose focus. I didn’t know where I stood until I finished the round.

“What I did differently was that I didn’t give myself too much pressure or too much expectation to shoot a certain score, or achieve a certain position. I just played shot-by-shot. Even when I made a mistake, I didn’t think too much about it.

“I kept my thinking simple. That really helped. I feel like this tournament has given me a lot more confidence because I know how far I can go on such a big stage.

“In terms of performance, I feel I improved both physically and mentally because it was one of my most consistent performances. I was very stable and consistent.”

Lau’s claim is borne out by the fact that her 54-hole aggregate of four-under 212 – courtesy of rounds of 73, 70 and 69 – contained just four bogeys. With hot, humid and windy conditions making birdies difficult to come by, minimising mistakes was crucial, a strength that Lau has cultivated with practice and perseverance.

Danny Lai, Chief Executive Officer at the Hong Kong Golf Association (HKGA), said: “Arianna is the most hard-working and dedicated player I’ve ever seen. Every afternoon, you’ll see her and her mother practicing on the Old Course in Fanling (Hong Kong Golf Club).

“Since she was aged 10, her attitude to golf has amazed everyone. The way she prepares for a tournament is just like a pro.

“In Arianna and Sophie Han, Hong Kong is lucky to have two ‘super 15s’. The Hong Kong Golf Association has given these two all the support they ask for. The support from Arianna’s parents have also contributed to her success.”

Typically thoughtful, aware and appreciative, Lau (pictured right receiving the trophy from APGC Board member Bones Floro) acknowledged those who have encouraged her and presented playing opportunities.

Lau, who has made the cut in the past two editions of the Women’s Amateur Asia-Pacific, said: “I would really like to thank everyone who has helped me and supported me. Thank you, specially, to the HKGA for this opportunity and for always supporting us as a team. And thank you Asia-Pacific Golf Confederation.”

This summer, Lau will be looking to further build her golfing curriculum vitae when she participates in numerous high-profile junior and amateur events in America, giving college coaches the opportunity to watch her operate at close quarters.

If her form continues to flourish, Lau can expect to receive some enticing offers as she begins to plot the next stage of her development.

“There’ll be a lot of coaches there. Hopefully, they’ll reach out and I can interact with them more and just see where that takes me,” said Lau, a stalwart of the Hong Kong China female team at last year’s World Amateur Team Championships for the Espirito Santo Trophy and the past two editions of the Queen Sirikit Cup.