Mr BioFile Interviews by Scoop Malinowski
By Scoop Malinowski
Status: LPGA golfer. 2021 Olympian.
DOB: October 28, 1997 In: Quezon City, Philippines
First Golf Memory: Probably bugging my dad every day to buy me a plastic set of golf clubs so I could start hitting (age 5 or 6).
Golf Inspirations: Oooh, Tiger Woods for sure. And then with the women, I’ve got a lot. Annika (Sorenstam) for sure is up there, especially as a fellow (Arizona) Wildcat. She has to be up there.
First Famous Player You Met Or Encountered: Ooh, honest, it actually must have been… oooh, it was Annika Sorenstam. She went to the Philippines when I was nine years old. And I met her and that was pretty cool.
Last Book Read: Everything I Know About Love by Dolly Alderton.
Current Car: I don’t have a car in the US. I kind of just rent one because I’m never here.
Greatest Career Moment (so far): Greatest moment of my career… it’s kind of sad that I can’t think of anything [laughs]. But… I guess… it was very memorable because I finished top ten in my first ever major. And I almost missed the cut and I shot back to back five under to make the weekend and I finished in the top ten (T-9). At KPMG Aronimink (Newtown Square, PA in Oct. 2020).
Most Painful Moment: Honestly, I can’t think of anything. But if we’re talking like literal pain, it was having to put the club down after being injured because I felt – when you’re at that moment, you think: Is this gonna get better [laughs]? So I guess having to put the club down and actually trying to get better. Because everyone just wants to keep practicing and playing. (What was the injury?) Bad tendonitis in right hand, couldn’t even putt. Two years ago.
Favorite Courses: Torrey Pines for the views. I also played Pebble Beach. So probably top two.
Funny Golf Memory: Anything… this is like rapid fire [smiles]… I guess a stray dog picking up my ball in the Philippines [smiles].
Favorite Athletes To Watch: Favorite athletes… oh my gosh… I enjoy watching tennis. I enjoy watching sports in general. I enjoy playing basketball. So I don’t really have a specific athlete.
Favorite Ice Cream Flavor: Coffee Oreo.
Favorite Artist: Oooh, right now it’s gotta be Taylor Swift [laughs].
Why Do You Love Golf: I enjoy the competition. And the independence that comes with it.
Embarrassing Golf Memory: Currently can’t think of anything. As a junior I played a tournament and got so upset that I ended up picking up my ball mid-round on the green. And then I froze. Because I’m not supposed to pick it up. So I guess that’s it.
People Qualities Most Admired: I like it when people are kind. I think that’s a general answer but it’s what I look for in people.
Career Accomplishments: Rolex ranking is 117; Six career top ten finishes; Won 2018 NCAA Division 1 Women’s Golf Championship for University of Arizona, converting the winning putt; Turned pro in 2020.
