The Emory Senior Spotlight Series continues with a look at current men's golf student-athlete Eric Yiu.
Name: Eric Yiu
Hometown (HS): Shenzhen, Guandong, China (Windermere Prep (FL))
Sport: Men’s Golf
Major: Applied Mathematics, Computer Science
** How did you start getting involved with golf? How old were you when you started playing?
Started playing at age of 10 when my mother took to the golf course for the first time.
** Do you have any current plans for after graduation?
Planning on going to grad school for master’s in business analytics / master’s in management.
** What is one piece of advice you would give to your freshman self?
Do the work!!! GPA IS important.
** Which Emory faculty or staff member has made the greatest impact on you and why?
Coach John Sjoberg and former teammate current assistant coach Keenan Hickton are the ones that has had the greatest influence on me. They were the ones that made me believe in myself.
** What is one class would you retake just for fun and why?
I would retake a writing class IDS 200W. Not only were the reading materials interesting, but the Professor was also one of the best, in which the topics he chose to discuss are often time intriguing. In addition, I saw a great improvement in my writing during that year thanks to his class.
** What is the most unique thing about your hometown?
Although I was born in Hongkong, I have lived my whole life in Shenzhen, so I'll talk about Shenzhen. It was founded ～40 years ago, and now it's one of the largest metropolitans in China.
** What is something that people may not know about you but should?
I'm quite geeky when it comes to golf. I analyze my data collected from ball tracking machines (flightscope / trackman) in detail, and sometimes I get stubborn in trying to alter my swing to get certain angles.
** Other than golf, what is another sport you think you could play at a high level?
Hmm, not even one that I can think of lol. I have tried archery, and I enjoy it a lot.
** What is one professional athlete (past or present) would you like to have a conversation with and why?
It used to be Rory McIlroy, but now I want to chat with Tiger. His return to golf truly inspired me. I remember that I cried (literally tears going down my face) when he won the Masters in 2019. I want to know how he was able to being persistent and comeback from the scandal and the number of surgeries. Why didn't he just retire? What is the motivation for him to be so persistent?
** How have you been trying to occupy your time with given the current COVID environment?
Starting from Sep 2020, I have been in China, taking online courses in midnight. I try to sleep when I can if i'm not doing work.
** Food you hate that everybody else seems to enjoy?
Not really a food, but I hate the taste of cherries (the ones that go on top of Chick-fil-a milkshakes) and I also dislike the taste of Dr. Pepper.
** What would you say are your top three movies or television shows of all time?
Friends, Friends, Friends!
** What is your favorite thing to do around Atlanta?
Golfing at East Lake is definitely one of the best
If it must be something besides golf, I like to go shopping at the Chinese supermarket in Duluth with my friends. We also get boba tea quite often.
** What is your favorite Atlanta restaurant?
Tough questions. I do like Chickfila a lot, but its not really local to Atl, so I'll have to say Community BBQ near Publix
** What has been your most memorable moment during competition during your Eagles career?
It would have to be the very first tournament in my freshman year. Luck enough, we were able to win thanks to the individual winner of the tournament Matt Organisak who graduated a year before me. Partly because I was 1/1 for college tournament win after that tournament, but also Matt has become my motivation to be better at golf and bring more titles to Emory.
** Favorite non-athletic moment from your past few years at Emory?
Probably when I have worked very hard in my sophomore year 2nd semester (Spring 2019) and received a 4.0 GPA and being in the Dean's list. I was always quite diffident in my academics before then, but that has shown me my capabilities.
** Favorite team activity or tradition?
The team trip to Scotland was something that I would never forget in my life. I was happier in that short 10 days with the boys than during the entire summer break. The golf courses, the scenery, the city of Edinburgh, the Scot culture, everything about the trip was special.
** What would be one thing you’d like to impart to the underclassmen before finishing your career?
Since covid in 2020, golfing has been hard. Luck enough Emory has permitted the team in travelling again. First and foremost, I would want them to stay safe while striving to bring pride to Emory. Second of all, I would want them to always keep in mind that they are representing the Golf Team and the entire Emory University. At last, enjoy college, it is one of the most special moments in one's lifetime, leave no regrets. GO EAGLES!!!