Just over a year ago, Ashley Lau watched her friend Heather Lin roll in a par putt on the 72nd hole of the Epson Tour Championship at Indian Wells, one that saw both of them earn the best finishes of their careers: a win for Lin and a runner-up result for Lau.

The victory vaulted Lin to No. 15 in the Race for the Card, earning her LPGA Tour Membership for the 2025 season, while Lau moved into 32nd, punching her ticket to the Final Qualifying Stage of LPGA Q-Series.

This week at the Epson Tour Championship, the Malaysian picked up right where she left off in 2024 despite a course change at the Indian Wells Golf Resort. With the Players Course currently under renovation, the 103 players in the 2025 field are taking on the Celebrity Course this year after competing on the Players Course last season.

“I think it's about the same, just the layout is a little different,” said Lau about the switch. “I think West Coast courses suit my game. I somehow really like playing out here on the West Coast.”

An opening 66 matches the score Lau shot in her last two rounds at the Epson Tour Championship at Indian Wells, putting her at a combined 18-under throughout her last 54 holes at Indian Wells Golf Resort. The bogey-free day put her in a tie for third after the morning wave and just two shots back of the early lead that was held by Sophia Schubert at 8-under.

“I think heading into this tournament, I just told myself to have fun. I know there's a lot of pressure on pretty much all of us,” explained Lau. “We're all playing for a spot somewhere, so I think trying to be comfortable with my game, and that really helped today.”

Lau has already competed on some of the biggest stages in women’s golf, representing Malaysia at the Paris Olympics for the first time in her career in 2024. She has also played in three LPGA Tour events in her young career, making the cut in all three and finishing T22 at the 2024 Maybank Championship, which takes place in her home country annually.

The 25-year-old currently sits 188 points outside of the top 15 heading into the week, meaning a top-five finish is likely needed from Lau to earn her LPGA Tour card for the 2026 season. There are still 54 holes to play, but the vibes are high for Lau as she heads into her second round in Indian Wells after such a strong start.

“I think that definitely helps for sure, and some good momentum going into the week,” said Lau about her runner-up finish last year. “I actually didn't know it was a different golf course, but still the same type of environment, atmosphere, so I think it will be good.”

Lau will tee off for her second round at 12:29 p.m. local time off hole 10. Follow along with live scoring here.

Good Vibes Continue at Indian Wells Golf Resort for Ashley Lau

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