Two weeks ago, Lilia Vu claimed her third win of 2021, which brought her season earnings to $140,607. With only five events left this year on the Epson Tour and after a good deal of number crunching, it’s official: Vu has clinched a spot in the top-10 on the Epson Tour money list. There’s no way she can fall out. The California native will graduate onto the LPGA Tour as a 2022 Member.
“We did it. I don’t know what to say. I came a long way from the past two years. From almost quitting golf to being here,” said Vu. “I honestly don’t know how it happened so fast.”
After her second win at the Twin Bridges Championship, Vu shared a story that resonated with everyone who has struggled in their careers, in or out of golf. When she was a 2019 rookie on the LPGA Tour, filled with confidence and promise, she made one cut all year, the LOTTE Championship, where the $3,830 check barely covered the cost of her week in Hawaii. Dejected and beaten by a game that can be unrelenting, Vu thought about putting the clubs away and going to law school, a dream most parents would welcome. But Vu’s mother, Yvonne Du, was not like most parents. In the kindest way possible, Yvonne told Lilia, “No honey, you are good enough. You need to pull yourself out of this.”
There’s nothing more motivating than your mom telling you to cowboy up and fight your way out of your funk.
“My mom has been there for me the whole time, even when I thought about quitting golf,” Vu said. “She has encouraged me to do my best and always thought I belonged on the LPGA Tour. I am excited for next year.”
Vu found her first win at the Garden City Charity Classic and has not missed a cut all year. Her last five starts have been: T4, T3, Win, T2, Win. Last week, she donned an LPGA hoodie and was photographed with a bottle of champaign as she celebrated.
But despite having already locked up her spot on the LPGA for next year, Vu is not resting. She’s out at the Circling Raven Championship hoping to ride the momentum as long as it lasts. As an added bonus, she loves the golf course.
“I think it’s really pretty and actually exceeded my expectations,” Vu said. “The front nine is definitely different than the back nine. It’s way more open and links style, while the front is tree lined. But I really like the back nine so far.”
As for her goals, she said, “I know I sound repetitive (but I’m going to) continue doing what I have done, do my best and try to have fun.”
That formula has worked so far. No reason to change it now.
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