What have you been up to since the abrupt end to the season?
Over the first month-and-a-half we couldn't do anything, so I just stayed in my apartment and tried to stay as fit as possible. The golf courses opened up about a month ago and I've been out there almost every day playing.
How did you think your season was going before it came to a premature end due to the COVID-19 pandemic?
I think it was going really well. We were heading in the right direction as a team, which was really nice. There are still things that I can improve on and minimize my mistakes next season. I think getting an extra year at Washington State will be good for me. I can learn more about myself, while working on my game.
You were a senior this past season, and it was supposed to be your final go-around with WSU. However, the NCAA granted all student-athletes who play spring sports an extra year of eligibility, which means you get one more season with the Cougs. How much does it mean to you to get another chance at a full senior season?
It's extremely fortunate, because otherwise I would've moved to Arizona to start my professional career. The Player Ability Test to get into the professional ranks was also canceled this season, so I'm grateful to get another year to play at Washington State and try again next year.
How difficult was it for you to be away from golf during that first month-and-a-half?
It was really weird at first, because it made me realize that I didn't know what to do when I'm not golfing. So, I had to find other things to do, like working out or catching up on some TV series.
What kind of TV series are you currently watching?
I've been watching a lot of superhero shows, like The Flash and Supergirl. I'm also a huge Friends fan, and I just started Two and a Half Men. I've also been watching a lot of movies. I'm a big fan of anything with adventure or comedy.
Outside of Palouse Ridge, what have been some of your favorite courses to play on?
Oh wow, there's a few. I've played Torrey Pines a few times and I like that course a lot; it's really challenging. Back home in Singapore, I've played at the Sentosa Golf Club, which is where they play the Singapore Open. I like that one a lot. Bandon Dunes is challenging, but also really fun to play. The wind picks up a lot there, and it tests you as a golfer.
What is your favorite thing about Pullman?
The people. The people around Pullman are extremely nice, they make you feel like family. The people at Washington State really make it easy for you to feel like your home. To me, it's really important (to have that family connection) because I am a really big family person. Family comes first for me. My team is like a family and that really helped me with homesickness.
We've heard that you are a pretty good bowler. Have you ever bowled a 300?
Unfortunately, I've never bowled a 300. My best score is a 242. Both of my brothers have bowled 300 a few times, maybe four times. They were on the Singapore National Team when I was younger, so I picked up some tips from them growing up.
We've also heard you're a good cook. How did you learn to cook and what's your favorite dish?
I was thinking about what I could do during the winter, and I thought I would try to cook. I found some recipes on Instagram and YouTube, and came across this chocolate-covered cheesecake. I made it for my coach and he loved it! I've also made lava cake, which was a big success. I like to make carbonara and fried rice. Keeping it simple.
What do you think is harder, hitting the green on a par-five or making a lava cake?
Probably lava cake. I've failed a few times making lava cake, it's not easy to get the chocolate syrup to stay in the middle. So that's probably harder.