LET Rookie Ayaka Nakayama, 24, from Japan, aims to make the cut in her first LET event, the AgtewAGL Canberra Classic, this week.
The University of Central Florida graduate is enjoying the warm Australian weather and she will no doubt fulfil her ambition to see kangaroos at Royal Canberra Golf Club, where they can often be seen bounding up the fairways or resting amongst the pine trees.
Ayaka played in four tournaments on the United States-based Symetra Tour last year, but she loves to travel and see different countries and says, “This is a great chance for me!”
Here, we get to know this intrepid explorer a little better.
Where are you from?
Kawasaki, Japan, where the motorcycles are from.
What’s been your biggest golfing achievement so far?
Last year my university team won the American Athletic Conference Championship.
Do you have a hidden talent?
I practised Japanese traditional dancing when I was younger, wearing a kimono.
What is your favourite club in your bag?
Pitching wedge.
What’s your favourite golf course?
Isleworth Golf Club in Florida.
What is the one thing you could not live without?
My family.
Who do you most look up to?
My dad. He’s not good at golf… he’s okay… but he encouraged me to play.
What is your favourite food?
Japanese food, like sushi and squid.
How would you spend your perfect day?
Staying in bed all day.
What do you like doing except playing golf?
Watching movies and listening to music.
What job would you like to have if not a professional golfer?
Maybe I’d be a travel agent.
Do you have any superstitions before a round?
No.
Describe yourself in one word?
Positive.
What are your goals for 2018?
Play on the LET and enjoy travelling the world.
