Gamecock Gala Awards: Female Scholar Athlete of the Year - Lois Kaye Go

When it’s comes to being a student-athlete, South Carolina women’s golfer Lois Kaye Go is great at being both. As South Carolina’s career leader in scoring average (72.65), the senior from Cebu City in the Philippines also holds a 4.0 grade point average with a double major of accounting and finance and was recently named South Carolina’s Female Scholar Athlete of the Year. The award is given each year to a graduating senior with exceptional academic achievement, and athletics contribution is also considered.

“I study a lot,” Go said. “I just focus on knowing what needs to be done to have good grades and do all of my practice sessions and maybe a bit more. Day after day, it’s about time management. I have the drive to excel in everything I do, and I’m pretty fortunate that I do well in golf and in school.

“The award means a lot. I was really surprised when my academic advisor called me because I was not expecting it all! It means a lot just being a part of the Gamecock family.”

After playing her freshman year at Boston College where she earned All-ACC honors, Go transferred to South Carolina and continued to excel in all areas the last three years. She was named the SEC Scholar Athlete of the Year in 2019 and is a two-time WGCA All-American Scholar. She has also been named to the SEC Honor Roll the previous two seasons.

“I chose accounting and finance because I thought that would put me in the best position to find a job once I’m done with golf,” Go said. “Coming from the Philippines, the biggest challenge was being away from family. Before I left for college, I was always around friends and family, so I never had to do anything alone without guidance. In terms of academics, I’ve always spoken English, so it wasn’t hard from that aspect, but I’d say writing papers was a little difficult because I hadn’t had a lot of practice before then.”

“I’ve always loved the competitive aspect of golf and the camaraderie with my teammates.”

On the links, Go earned All-SEC and Golfweek All-American Honorable Mention honors as a sophomore and junior. She was on her way to more accolades this year before the season was cut short due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“It was really, really emotional,” Go said. “When coach first called us in for a meeting, I didn’t want to accept it until coach actually said the final words. I cried a lot. I really wanted to go back to SECs and bring back the title and go for (NCAA) regionals and nationals.

“I’m fortunate enough that the NCAA and South Carolina have agreed to give us the extra year of eligibility. So, they’re giving us the year back! I’ll be back next year. Just being with my teammates and coaches is what I’m looking forward to. I’ve always loved the competitive aspect of golf and the camaraderie with my teammates, just having fun playing golf and competing and traveling.”  

As she prepares for another year in the Garnet and Black, Go will continue to pour her efforts into excelling in academics and athletics once again.

“Time management is the key. I usually plan my week well in advance,” Go said. “If I know I have a tournament and a major test when I get back, I make sure to get ahead with the work. I’ll outline my notes before we even leave so that during the tournament I can go through them and review so I’m ready when we get back.

“Sometimes I use a study room at the Dodie (Anderson Academic Enrichment Center), but usually I like studying at home,” Go said. “I do talk with Ro (Rochelle Robinson), our academic advisor a lot.”

Go was a good golfer before she arrived on campus, but she is thankful to head coach Kalen Anderson and the staff for helping her improve throughout her career.

“They outline our practice really well,” Go said. “They really help your short game and your scoring game. Before I got here, I used to concentrate on hitting balls at the range, hitting hundreds of balls each day. I never focused on the short game or wedging. That’s where I learned the most in my time here.”

Go is excited to grow her game next year and hopes it will pay off in her dream of playing professional golf.

“I strive to improve as much as I can and get ready for the pro tour,” Go said. “I came to college to prepare myself for turning pro, hopefully in the LPGA. It’s a progression to get to that point. I just hope to get better and better, so I’ll be ready.”