USANA Health Sciences has recently announced its sponsorship of Malaysian professional golfer Aretha Pan Herng, who is set to become a role model to all young athletes in the country. Aretha, from Sabah, started playing golf at the age of 13 under the influence of her father. She has often been recognized as one of the fastest-improved female golfers in the country, attaining her placement in the national team under the Malaysian Ladies Golf Association (MALGA) within two years. She impressed many people when she qualified to play in the Sime Darby LPGA three times from 2010-2012. She created history by being the first Malaysian woman to win the Malaysian Amateur Open in 2011, becoming its youngest champion at the age of 17. Additionally she has made the cut in all three professional Taiwan events in which she recently participated.
Q. Apart from golf, are there any other sports that you enjoy?
I do love sports, fishing and basketball, but they can only be my hobby as I have to focus on my golf now.
Q. Golf isn’t only a physical sport, but it also takes a lot of mental concentration? What do you do to give your 100% on the field?
You are definitely right- golfing requires high level of mental strength & focus. I have to keep reminding myself of my goals by going through my “Goal Card” everyday before go to bed & right after I wake up. As a Christian, I believe GOD will always be with me whenever & wherever I will be and these often help me to stay relax especially during a major tournaments.
Q. While training as a younger teenager, did you miss out on a lot of activities among your peers?
NoT at all. My school mates & friend will always try to arrange gathering whenever I am off for tournaments. We normally go out for movies or hang around for a drink.
Q. What’s your daily routine like as you prepare for the Olympics?
I wake up before 6am except for Sunday. On public holidays, I jog 3 times a week and go to the gym twice a week. After a shower and having my breakfast, I will start hitting 100 range balls before I go for 9 holes. After lunch, I practice on my Short games (2-2 1/2 hours) before going for another 9 holes. Before call off for the day at 6pm, I will have another 100 range balls to warm down.
Q. Wow, that’s dedication! If you win the Olympics in Rio, what is the first thing you’ll do?
I will setup a Golf Academy and my foundation. I hope by doing so, I can give back to the society. I want to help our Malaysian Ladies who wanted to play golf professionally & play tournaments abroad. I wish that they don’t have to go through all the hassle like what my father & I facing at the moment. My father is my manager who arranges my tournaments schedules and seeks sponsorships.
Q. Who is the most inspiring woman in your life, and why?
No other than my mother. She works extra hard to earn more money for my tournament expenses and takes care of my diet when I’m back home. To me, she is my SuperWoman.
Q. As a success story at only 19 years of age, what will your word of advice be to teenage girls out there?
Learn to set a Specific Goal (write them down on a card that fit in your wallet)and go through it at least twice a day (when you wake up & before go to bed). Fall in love with your goals and never turn back. With the dedication & discipline, you will achieve your goal unexpectedly.
