Ahead of her debut in the Aramco Team Series at Hong Kong Golf Club from October 6-8, World No. 1 Lilia Vu announced she can’t wait to get started in a place that is close to her heart.

Hong Kong is her grandfather’s hometown and Vu said: “My first impression [of Hong Kong] is that it kind of feels like home. My grandpa is originally from Hong Kong. So right off the bat, this felt like home. 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 reflected on a momentous 2023 season which saw her capture two major championships. “It’s just been kind of crazy for me,” she said. “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.”

Vu is looking to once again bring that same mindset that got her to the top of the world rankings to this week’s tournament, and remarked, “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 No. 1. I just played golf and let whatever happened happen and trust that I can play my best. And then I happened to be world No. 1. 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 25-year-old 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.”

During the Aramco Team Series — Hong Kong, Vu will have the responsibility of leading her team as captain, and is looking forward to a different challenge that brings. 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, I just hope everybody has a good time.”

Main image: Aramco Team Series