LOI-cense To Golf

Stephanie Loi reveals her feelings on career options, competitions and of course, golf.

Since she first picked up a golf club nine years ago, 19-year-old Stephanie Loi has come a long way. From a disinterested youngster, the plucky girl grew to love the game once she started playing on the greens and is now part of the national team.

Family Love

She has her parents to thank for that. From introducing her to the game when she was 10, to ferrying her around Singapore for training, the Loi family was very much in support of her commitment to the sport. While the young lass can drive herself to training these days, she’s glad she can still look to her parents for support and advice. “Before I was in the national team, they supported me financially for my overseas trips,” says Stephanie. “Now, they continue to give me moral support by encouraging me to simply go out there and enjoy the game.”

A Lesson In Management

Currently studying in Singapore Management University, Stephanie has, like other junior golfers her age, to juggle studies and golf at the same time. Training four times a week, it’s a wonder how Stephanie finds time to indulge in her other passion – shopping – after factoring in her studies.

“It’s not impossible! It is all about time management,” she says, before adding with a laugh. “But a lot of my friends find it hard to understand how I can spend so much time on golf and not get bored of it!”

Stephanie, however, feels that golf is more than just a game. “Golf has taught me a lot of life lessons – integrity, patience, and also it brings out the character in people so it shows me what people are truly like when they handle difficult situations.”

Game On

Golf has also brought out the competitive streak in Stephanie. At 13, she was introduced to competitive golf when a friend took her along to participate in the SLGA monthly medals. She took part in her first real competition that same year, the Singapore Island Country Club Junior Invitational. “I felt nervous and excited at the same time,” she says.

That first encounter got her hooked. “The adrenaline I get when I play well and the desire to win the tournament motivates me each time I take part in a competition.” Drawing inspiration from golfing professionals, Stephanie continued to train hard and took part in other competitions to garner experience. By 16, she was travelling to play competitively.

Playing competitively has its ups and downs. And it’s the peaks that Stephanie relishes. “The last competition I won was the Jurong Ladies Open in June this year. I was satisfied and very happy as I was training hard at that time.” But it is the lows that pushes her to do even better.

“My biggest fear is to not play well and scoring badly. It has happened many times.” Stephanie has since learnt to take it in her stride. Now she simply picks herself up and continue doing her best.

Looking Forward

Though her love for golf is strong, Stephanie remains practical about her career choices. “I’m unsure at the moment. In five years, I would have graduated. I guess I’ll either be a golf professional or work in a bank,” she says. For many, we’re sure they would love to see the talented Stephanie fulfill the former.

Short Takes With Stephanie

What other passions do you have, other than golf?
Shopping.

What’s your favourite non-golf activity?
Sleeping!

Give us three tips to encourage other junior golfers.
1. Follow your heart when at doubt.
2. If people say that you can’t do it, don’t be affected by them. Just do it.
3. To win competitions, you need patience. And a lot of focus.

Give us three tips to encourage other junior golfers.
Be disciplined, stay focused and stay positive!

What’s your favourite:
Book - My Sister’s Keeper
Music album - My ipod. Does that count?
TV programme - Gossip Girl