Jul 03, 2024

From Local Greens to the LPGA Spotlight: 15 Year-Old, Ashley Shaw, is Just Getting Started

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In a world where golf is often associated with seasoned players and decades of experience, 15-year-old Ashley Shaw is breaking the mold and making waves in the golfing community. Recently, Ashley made her LPGA debut at the Founders Cup, a momentous occasion that marked the beginning of an exciting chapter in her young career.

Tori had the pleasure of sitting down with Ashley and her mother, Sylvia, to delve into their incredible journey through the world of golf. From Ashley's humble beginnings hitting shots in the backyard at the age of seven to her remarkable performance at the Founders Cup, this episode offers a captivating glimpse into the life of a golfing prodigy.

The Road to the Founders Cup

Ashley's journey to the Founders Cup began with a chance to play in the John Chip and Cognison Cup invitational event, where she was the only amateur in a field of seven professionals. With her mother by her side, carrying the bag for all those holes, Ashley exceeded her own expectations.

Despite the challenging course conditions and playing from distances she had never encountered before, Ashley shot an impressive one-over par. Little did she know that her stellar performance would earn her a spot in the Founders Cup.

The LPGA Experience

As Ashley stepped into the world of professional golf at the Founders Cup, she was met with a whirlwind of new experiences. From having her own locker in the locker room to receiving credentials that granted her access to exclusive areas, Ashley found herself immersed in the exciting atmosphere of an LPGA event.

One of the most memorable aspects of the experience was the opportunity to play practice rounds with established LPGA players like Lydia Ko and Gina Kim. Ashley quickly noticed the differences in their preparation compared to her own.

Observing the meticulous approach of these professional golfers, Ashley absorbed valuable lessons that she could incorporate into her own game.

The First Tee Jitters

As Ashley stepped onto the first tee box at the Founders Cup, she found herself surrounded by a sea of spectators and cameras. The nerves were undoubtedly present, but Ashley's love for acting and her vivid imagination helped her navigate the moment with poise.

With a mental narration of her own performance, Ashley hit her first tee shot right down the middle of the fairway, setting the stage for a memorable debut.

Lessons Learned

Throughout her two rounds at the Founders Cup, Ashley gained invaluable insights that extended beyond the golf course. She learned the importance of composure in the face of adversity and the creativity displayed by professional golfers when faced with challenging shots.

Additionally, Ashley recognized the significance of effective communication with her caddy, her mother Sylvia. By observing the interactions between the professional golfers and their caddies, Ashley gained a deeper understanding of how to foster a strong partnership on the course.

The Power of Process

One of the key themes that emerged throughout the podcast episode was the importance of focusing on the process rather than the results. Sylvia emphasized the need for Ashley to stay level-headed and stick to the plan, regardless of the outcome.

By prioritizing the process over the results, Ashley has been able to maintain a healthy perspective on her golfing journey, allowing her to learn and grow with each experience.

Early Signs of Talent

From a young age, Ashley displayed a natural aptitude for sports. Whether it was tennis, swimming, volleyball, or dance, she excelled in every activity she pursued. However, it was at the age of seven when her father brought home a set of golf clubs from a garage sale that Ashley's love for golf began to blossom.

Ashley's journey in golf accelerated rapidly, as she began playing tournaments at the age of eight and started winning consistently by the time she was ten or eleven years old. It was during the COVID-19 pandemic that golf truly became her primary focus, as it provided a safe outlet for her to practice and compete.

Homeschooling and Golf

As Ashley's passion for golf grew, it became clear that balancing her education with the demands of the sport would be a challenge. The decision to homeschool Ashley allowed her the flexibility to pursue her golfing dreams while still prioritizing her education.

Sylvia, who serves as both Ashley's mother and coach, has been instrumental in guiding her daughter's development both on and off the course. With a keen eye for detail and a willingness to learn alongside Ashley, Sylvia has become an integral part of Ashley's support system.

The Power of Speed in Putting

One of the most impressive aspects of Ashley's game is her putting prowess. Despite her ability to hit the ball long distances off the tee, Ashley recognizes the importance of a strong short game, particularly when it comes to putting.

By prioritizing speed control on the greens, Ashley has developed a reliable putting stroke that has served her well in high-pressure situations.

The Role of Team Shaw

Behind every successful athlete is a dedicated support system, and for Ashley, that support comes in the form of Team Shaw. Her father, who served as her full-time caddy for a long time, continues to be an integral part of her golfing journey, even if he is no longer on the bag.

"We're all just one big team, and we just make the most of it." - Ashley Shaw

The collective efforts of Ashley, her mother Sylvia, and her father have created a strong foundation upon which Ashley can continue to build her golfing career.

Balancing Golf and Other Passions

While golf is undoubtedly Ashley's primary focus, she also harbors a deep love for acting. Despite the limited opportunities to pursue theater in her immediate vicinity, Ashley finds ways to nurture her passion through her imagination and playful skits with friends.

"I really want to do a lot of theater and all that stuff. But where I live, there's nothing nearby for me to do that. So most of my acting is either done on my computer, or my iPad, or in the mirror, in my room on myself." - Ashley Shaw

Ashley's ability to balance her golfing pursuits with her love for acting is a testament to her creativity and adaptability, qualities that will undoubtedly serve her well both on and off the course.

The Road Ahead

As Ashley looks towards the future, her goals extend beyond personal achievements on the golf course. She is driven by a desire to inspire others and grow the game she loves so dearly.

Through her volunteer work with organizations like the First Tee of Phoenix, Ashley is actively working to introduce golf to a new generation of players, sharing her knowledge and passion with those who may not have had the opportunity to experience the game otherwise.

The College Question

With Ashley's golfing career on the rise, the question of college looms on the horizon. In just a year's time, Ashley will be eligible to start communicating with college coaches, a prospect that is both exciting and daunting.

"I definitely want to put myself, like this upcoming year, put myself in that position so I can be an option for whatever colleges may want me to play for their team." - Ashley Shaw

As Ashley continues to hone her skills and compete at the highest levels, she is setting herself up for a bright future in the world of collegiate golf and beyond.

A Bright Future Ahead

At just 15 years old, Ashley Shaw has already accomplished more than most golfers could dream of in a lifetime. Her LPGA debut at the Founders Cup is just the beginning of what promises to be an extraordinary career in the world of golf.

With the unwavering support of her family, a dedication to the process, and a passion for growing the game, Ashley is poised to make a lasting impact on the sport she loves. As she navigates the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead, one thing is certain: the future of golf is in good hands with young talents like Ashley Shaw leading the way.

Through her journey, Ashley serves as an inspiration to aspiring golfers everywhere, proving that with hard work, determination, and a love for the game, anything is possible. As we eagerly await the next chapter in Ashley's golfing story, we can rest assured that the best is yet to come for this remarkable young athlete.

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