CGN Player Highlight and Interview: Kelly Wu’s Journey to St. John’s and the Space Coast Classic

St. John’s senior Kelly Wu enters the spring season as one of the experienced leaders in the Red Storm lineup, shaped by an international junior career in New Zealand, a strong start at Western Illinois, and steady development in the Big East.

Originally from Auckland, New Zealand, Wu did not begin golf in a traditional way. Before taking up the sport, she competed in table tennis at the national level. A chance meeting with a golf coach led to her first lesson, and that introduction quickly turned into a full commitment to the game.

She trained in New Zealand under multiple coaches, focusing on fundamentals and building a technical foundation that produced national level results. Her junior career included serving as a captain at St. Kentigern College Golf Academy, helping win a New Zealand junior team championship, earning medalist honors at the U19 Lydia Ko Championship, and placing fourth at the Danny Lee Springfield Women’s Open.

College Recruitment and Transfer to St. John’s

Wu earned a full ride to Western Illinois, where she made an immediate impact as a freshman. She appeared in nine events, led the team in multiple tournaments, and recorded a runner up individual finish while helping the program contend as a team.

After her freshman season, Wu transferred to St. John’s to compete at a higher level and test her game in the Big East. She said the decision was driven by believing her game could translate in a stronger conference and by the opportunity presented by the St. John’s staff.

Since arriving in Queens, Wu has developed into a consistent lineup presence while balancing academics as a business analytics major. She has earned Big East academic recognition and continues to serve as a veteran presence within the program.

Collegiate Development and Mental Approach

Wu credits much of her improvement to returning to the basics during the offseason. She said she focused on strengthening fundamentals and building a reliable foundation that allowed her to compete with confidence once tournaments began.

Mentally, Wu prepares by visualizing each course, staying composed during rounds, and relying on positive affirmations to manage pressure situations.

Event Focus

Space Coast Classic Presented by MoonGolf

The Space Coast Classic Presented by MoonGolf serves as a key early season test for St. John’s. Wu said the team enters the spring with strong momentum after an intensive offseason of preparation.

She also noted the significance of the event being livestreamed, especially for her family in New Zealand, who rarely have the chance to watch full tournament coverage.

Final Round CGN Livestream
https://www.youtube.com/live/xRPJeTplwXE

CGN Space Coast Event Page
https://cgnplus.com/space-coast-classic-host-by-moongolf/

Career Snapshot

School: St. John’s University
Class: Senior
Hometown: Auckland, New Zealand
High School: St. Kentigern College Golf Academy
Previous School: Western Illinois
Major: Business Analytics

Early Background

Began playing golf after competing in table tennis
Developed through New Zealand junior golf
Captain at St. Kentigern College Golf Academy
Medalist at the U19 Lydia Ko Championship

Sources
CGN Interview with Kelly Wu
Kelly Wu Player Profile
CGN Final Round Livestream
Space Coast Event Page CGN