HONG KONG: Women’s world No. 1 golfer Lilia Vu said Hong Kong “feels like home” as she prepared to make her debut in her grandfather’s birthplace.
Vu, 25, will aim to maintain her fabulous form at the Aramco Team Series presented by PIF — Hong Kong, which takes place at Hong Kong Golf Club from Oct. 6 to 8.
The American star, who won her first two major championships at the Chevron Championship and the British Open this year, added that she was “super-excited” about her inaugural appearance in Hong Kong.
She said: “My first impression (of Hong Kong) is that it kind of feels like home. My grandpa is originally from Hong Kong. I think it’s not that hard to adjust to Hong Kong besides the weather since I’m from California, and I’m just going to have a good time this week.
“I haven’t played any golf course quite like it. It’s a little hot here, so I’ll just have to stop being a wimp and adjust to it. But it’s been really fun to play.”
Vu noted that her stunning success this year had taken her by surprise.
“It’s just been kind of crazy for me. I think it all happened so fast, and I didn’t think my golf career would take off in this way.
“I think it’s been very up and down, and for it to be at the magnitude it is now has really just been crazy, and I’m very grateful for all of it and the journey,” she added.
Vu pointed out that she was not letting her new status as the best women’s golfer on the planet go to her head.
She said: “I try not to think about (being world No. 1) too much. I think if I do, then it kind of controls you.
“And that’s not how I became number one. I just played golf and let whatever happened, happen and trust that I can play my best. And then I happened to be world number one. And I don’t really change my mindset after becoming that. I’m just going to keep doing what I’ve been doing because, clearly, it’s been working.”
The Californian, who turned professional in 2019, added: “I kind of have a one-track mind. Like wherever I am at that moment, I’m trying to win that tournament.
“I never try to think too far ahead, so, if I’m here, I’m focusing on this tournament.”
Vu was unfazed by the prospect of being a captain at the Hong Kong event.
She said: “The team (aspect) takes the weight off you, so I’m really excited to have people around me this week competing in Hong Kong. This is my first time playing in this event, so I’m super-excited. I will try and keep the group in a light mood.
“I usually play and have a lot of fun, that’s when I play my best. I’m going to try and keep the tournament really light, so I just hope everybody has a good time.”
Also among the star-studded field are 20-year-old golf sensation Rose Zhang and world No. 3 Jin Young Ko.
The Aramco Team Series Hong Kong follows a dramatic Solheim Cup at Finca Cortesin in Spain last month, which ended 14-all between the American and European sides. Vu posted a 1-3-0 record, and Zhang, who made her Solheim Cup debut, finished with a 0-2-1 for the week.
Joining Zhang and Vu in Hong Kong from the European side are Aramco Florida champion Carlota Ciganda and Caroline Hedwall. Ciganda secured the crucial point to help Team Europe retain the Solheim Cup by defeating Aramco London champion Nelly Korda in their singles match on the final day. She went undefeated at 4-0-0 for an impressive week in Spain.
Accompanying Ciganda is fellow European Hedwall, who defeated American Ally Ewing in a decisive Sunday singles match, concluding the week with a 1-1-0 record.
