Lau Closes Legendary U-M Career, Set to Turn Professional

Lau Closes Legendary U-M Career, Set to Turn Professional

ANN ARBOR, Mich. — University of Michigan women’s golf graduate student Ashley Lau announced today (Monday, Nov. 28), she will forgo the remainder of her collegiate career and turn professional as she continues her quest to qualify for the LPGA Tour.

“This was honestly such a tough decision,” said Lau. “On one hand, I could stay with the Michigan program, my teammates and finish my master’s degree at the greatest university in the world. On the other hand, there’s the opportunity of chasing my dream of playing professional golf.

“In the months leading up to (Q School) Stage 2, I went back and forth on what I would do if I advanced. When I did, there was this little voice in me telling me to go for it and turn pro. I knew I had to chase my dream.

“I’ve been very thankful to have such a great support system and resources at Michigan, I’m so, so lucky to have very supportive parents and family. Especially my amazing sister (Adeline), and caddie, who’s gotten to learn so much of my game over the years and has been by my side each step of the way on the course and with this decision.

“It is important for me to thank Coach (Jan) Dowling, AJ (Newell) and Mandi (Unruh) for being so supportive of me, and my family, as we had to make this decision. They have changed my life in so many ways and really given me the path to success.

“Saying that I am a professional golfer will be something I have to get comfortable saying, but it doesn’t sound too bad. I cannot wait to start this journey. Forever, Go Blue!”

In her legendary Michigan career, she started all 43 of her career events, while carrying a U-M record 73.24 scoring average. A four-time medalist — a U-M record, Lau was a two-time Women’s Golf Coaches Association (WGCA) All-American (2021, ’22). She became the first U-M women’s golfer to earn first team honors in 2022.

Helping U-M win its first-ever Big Ten title in 2022, she was named the program’s first Big Ten Golfer of the Year, while also earning the first Mary Fossum Award with her 71.70 scoring average. A three-time Academic All-Big Ten selection, she added U-M record five Big Ten Golfer of the Week honors.

Lau helped U-M to three NCAA postseason appearances…