Where do you live?
Los Angeles. I came here for college.
Where did you grow up?
Hong Kong
What colleges did you attend?
Santa Monica College and then UCLA for my Bachelors degree. Then I attended grad school at the California School of Professional Psychology in L.A.
What's your golf handicap?
7, although at my peak I can get down to 0.
How long have you played golf?
About 20 years. I used to play for the Hong Kong international golf team. My dad initially got me into the game. He started playing first, and he took me to practice. I saw him hitting, so I started picking up his clubs and hitting balls. And that experience developed my interest.
What led you to become a professional psychologist?
My dad and I were playing golf in China. And after a round one day, we went to the clubhouse for lunch. A man sitting next to us got his bill after he ate, and checked all the dishes that he ordered. He was apparently charged for one item he didn't order, and complained to the waitress. My dad asked me if I thought the guy was rich or poor. As a teenager, I didn’t know better so I guessed poor. And my dad said he knew the man, who was actually rich. So I asked why was doing this. And my dad said that when I grew up, I would know. He never answered my questions. Later on, I was reading a book and asked my mom why a character did some act? And she told me that once I grew up, I’d know. So I always had these question marks in my head. And I always wanted to know about human behavior and why we do certain things. So I picked psychology because I'm interested in human behavior.
What do you find most rewarding about it?
Most of my time is spent serving ethnic minorities and the underserved. Right now, I'm working as a psychologist in county jail. Many of the people I work with have a history of trauma. So I find it most rewarding to help others – not to necessarily resolve their trauma but to help them realize how their trauma affects their lives and to be aware of their mental health symptoms.
Speaking from your insight and professional expertise, what psychological traits are most beneficial for being a good golfer?
Being calm and patient. Being emotionally stable throughout each game – despite how good or bad each shot is that you hit.
You have 10,000+ Instagram followers. What's your secret to building that audience?
It took a while. The secret for me was picking a specific category – golf and workout – instead of having broad content and having a whole bunch of stuff in your Instagram. Also, writing good content is key.
What are some of your favorite workouts?
Other than golf-specific exercises, I like doing the elliptical machine and yoga.
How did you first discover Honma?
I was in Hong Kong with my dad. After practicing golf, we’d walk around different shopping malls to spend some time together. We found a Honma store in the mall. We went in, explored and saw these really nice and pretty clubs. And everything was laid out in a different format from anything we’d seen – very Japanese, clean, minimalist and different. And my dad purchased his first Honma clubs. Being curious, I took his clubs and just started hitting them. And I fell in love with them, too.
How did Honma first discover you?
I’d been playing Honma clubs, and posting videos of me playing them on Instagram – tagging them in the posts. I applied to become a Honma ambassador. We emailed back-and-forth, and I told them I already play their clubs but I just wanted some accessories. Out of nowhere after three or four months, their representative contacted me and asked if I’d be interested in doing photo shoots, and in exchange they’d give me products. I told the rep this was exactly what I was looking for. So, it's worked out great.
What do you like about playing Honma products?
They’re very forgiving and I like the feel. I’m not a powerful player, but they help me generate power.
What specific Honma clubs are in your bag at the moment?
Beres 3-star graphite irons, 19-degree 3-wood, 22-degree 5-wood, and a driver. Plus a gold putter.
What do you do for fun off the course?
Badminton, hiking, baking – I’m big into baking Keto recipes. I make my own Keto peanut butter, brownies, salad and even ice cream. I also make DIY house decorations. I’m taking singing classes, I enjoy reading novels, listening to audiobooks, and watching movies.
Where's your favorite place to vacation?
Paris.
What golf course tops your bucket list?
St Andrews – I’ve always wanted to play it. Have been there to watch the Open Championship but have not played it yet.
What do you hope the other three people in your golf foursome would say about playing a round with you?
That I’m funny and they like watching my swing so they can learn from it.
