Lilia Kha-Tu Du Vu, born on October 14, 1997, in Fountain Valley, California, is a rising star in professional golf. As an accomplished player on the LPGA Tour, Vu has made headlines for her impressive performances and significant achievements, including multiple major championships and a rapid ascent to the top of the Women's World Golf Rankings.
Lilia Kha-Tu Du Vu Early Life and Amateur Career
Lilia Vu is the daughter of Vietnamese immigrants and began playing golf at the age of seven after being inspired by her father and brother. Her early dedication to the sport led her to a successful amateur career, where she garnered numerous accolades. Vu was a standout player at UCLA, where she enrolled in 2015. During her time there, she was named the Pac-12 Conference Freshman of the Year in 2016 and went on to become the WGCA Player of the Year in 2018. She also achieved a remarkable record at UCLA, ranking first on the all-time career victory list with eight individual titles.
Vu's amateur highlights include winning the Curtis Cup in 2018 and earning four points for her team. She was also part of the U.S. team that won the Espirito Santo Trophy that same year. Vu held the number one position in the World Amateur Golf Ranking for a total of 31 weeks in 2018 and 2019.
Professional Career
Turning professional in January 2019, Vu faced challenges early in her career, making only one cut in her first nine LPGA events. However, she persevered and found success on the Symetra Tour (now known as the Epson Tour), where she won three titles in 2021 and earned Player of the Year honors. This success secured her LPGA Tour card for 2022.
In 2023, Vu experienced a breakout year, winning four LPGA titles, including two major championships: the Chevron Championship and the AIG Women's Open. Her victory at the Chevron Championship came after a thrilling playoff against Angel Yin, marking her first major win. Later that year, she dominated at the AIG Women’s Open, finishing six strokes ahead of Charley Hull to secure her second major title. These victories propelled her to number one in the Women's World Golf Rankings and earned her accolades such as LPGA Tour Player of the Year.
Recent Developments
Vu continued to build on her success into 2024 but faced challenges with injuries that sidelined her early in the season. After recovering from a back injury, she made a strong return to competition at the Meijer LPGA Classic.
Lilia Kha-Tu Du Vu Personal Life and Legacy
Lilia Vu's journey from an aspiring young golfer to a top competitor on the LPGA Tour serves as an inspiration to many. Her success not only highlights her talent but also represents greater diversity within women's golf. As she continues to compete at high levels and represent American golf internationally—including participation in events like the Solheim Cup—Vu's impact on the sport is undeniable.
With her work ethic and passion for golf, Lilia Vu is poised for continued success on tour, making her a player to watch in future seasons. Her achievements have already left a mark on women's golf, and as she pursues more titles, she will undoubtedly inspire future generations of golfers around the world.
