Ashley Lau

Sarawak's Ashley Lau has shattered every barrier before her—the first woman from her state to top national rankings, turn professional and represent Malaysia at the Olympics. Her groundbreaking journey earned her the ultimate recognition: carrying Malaysia's flag at the 2024 Paris Olympics closing ceremony.​

Lau qualified for Paris 2024 four years ahead of her original 2028 Los Angeles target, securing Malaysia's only women's golf spot by finishing 50th in the final Women's Olympic Golf Ranking. In her Olympic debut, she tied for 55th place in the tournament, gaining valuable experience competing on sport’s grandest stage.

The Bintulu native began as a competitive swimmer at age seven before transitioning to golf at nine on her father's suggestion. That pivotal decision launched a career defined by dominance. At the University of Michigan, Lau set programme records and earned Women's Golf Coaches Association First Team All-American honours in 2022—Michigan's first ever—alongside Big Ten Golfer of the Year recognition.​

Her 2022 professional debut set the foundation for a breakthrough 2024 season. Lau claimed her maiden victory at the Women's Victorian Open, finishing 12-under-par to edge former world number one Shin Jiyai by a single stroke.

The 2024 Epson Tour season delivered three top-10 finishes, highlighted by a solo runner-up result at the Epson Tour Championship in Indian Wells—her best qualifying tour performance that showcased her ability to contend under pressure. Lau continues her 2025 Epson Tour campaign with singular focus on securing an LPGA Tour card.​

She carries Malaysian golf's hopes while inspiring the next generation of Sarawakian athletes who now see pathways previously considered impossible.