Promising Samoan golfer Faith Vui echoed Jacot’s comments about representing her home nation, “I am very proud to represent my country, Samoa, here at the Academy. It’s just great to carry my flag on my shoulders and represent my people.
“I’ve learned so much and I’m hoping to take what I’ve learned and apply it to my golf and my daily life. To have these professionals helping us out is just a once in a lifetime opportunity.”
One of the more heartwarming stories of this year’s Academy is of 30-year-old Papua New Guinea golfer Margaret Lavaki who has appeared in previous Women’s Amateur Asia-Pacific championships without making the cut. She said, “I was really grateful to be invited to this academy and there’s been a lot of first-time things.
“I’m the first Papua New Guinean lady to compete in the Women’s Asia-Amateur Pacific championship and also the first one to come here to this academy – so it’s a good experience.
“All of the coaching and technology, along with waking up very early to get on the course, that’s a lot of experience.
“I especially learned a lot during the club fitting. Where I’m from you just get a club and you hit the ball and try to get it there, but with the technology these days, the club is suited for your swing.
“So, I learned a lot about the golf club itself and how to hit shots to certain styles and distances.
“I’m really thankful to everyone for helping me out with my game and my journey with golf.”
While Jacot, Vui and Lavaki, each aim to make the cut in the Women’s Amateur Asia-Pacific championship for the first time, their participation reflects the Academy’s role in supporting players who are already competing on the regional stage but require greater access to elite coaching to progress further.
The second group also included a strong contingent of New Zealand players, with representatives from the New Zealand Māori Golf Association, Rebecca Blackwell-Chin, Hunter Edwards, and Tania Ellis, and Royal Wellington Golf Club, Amy Yu (12) and Elise Barber (13).
Reinforcing the Academy’s broad regional footprint, Raina Kumar of Fiji, Junia Gabasa of the Philippines, Xingtong Chen of Singapore and Kaya Daluwatte of Sri Lanka were also invited to take part.
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