Cookie La’O decided to pursue a career in golf when, in his teens, he excelled in the sport. He was introduced to the sport at 12 and has done everything, from amateur tournaments abroad, representing the country in the 1997 South East Asian Games, to opening a golf academy for kids.
Now a dad at 38, he’s become a pro at balancing time between family and fairway, following a fitness routine that keeps him in tiptop shape.
In his sport, Cookie can perform under pressure. Being comfortable out there is just as important as swinging the perfect stroke.
He answers a few questions and provides a list of his most reliable apparel and body products.
I first held a club when… I was 12. It was my third sport after soccer and tennis. I actually started the same time my dad did. At an early age, I was determined to be a professional athlete and figured golf would be my best chance. It was only after high school that I really narrowed my focus on golf.
The most challenging golf course I’ve played in is… The Langer course at Riviera. It’s just a long hard beast of a course from the back tees. When the wind blows hard it is damn near impossible.
I play most of my golf at… home (the Philippines) now since my family is growing. I have an 11-year-old boy, a six-year-old girl and another boy coming. I don’t want to travel as much, since I have such a young family and don’t want to miss out on them growing up.
As a golfer, I’ve been paying more attention to… My fitness and nutrition. Since November, I’ve started on Crossfit, a high-intensity workout I’ve really taken a liking to. Golfers today are getting fitter and stronger so I need to keep up with the times. I try to watch what I eat. No more junk food, sodas and refined sugar. I say trying because some of that stuff still makes its way in there.
Being 38, I’m… the elder statesman on tour. I’ve sort of fallen into this role of mentoring the younger pros about the rigors of tour life. I must say, I enjoy passing on the knowledge and experience.
My wardrobe staples are… two kinds of shoes. Nike Lunar Control shoes on the course and Toms shoes off the course. Wearing Nikes on the course is just like having pillows on your feet. Golf is about a 7-km walk so they better be comfortable.
When it comes to golf apparel… It’s all about the Nike Dri-Fit shirts for me. I’ve been getting pretty adventurous lately in terms of fashion. It would be pretty much all earth colors for me without Nike golf. It’s allowed me to be a little more out there with color.
When it comes to golf apparel, I never… do white belts or white pants. I don’t feel comfortable in white pants because I feel like they are a little too see-through.
For golf tournaments, I have this peculiar habit of… always keeping two tees in the right pocket, a long one for the driver and a short one for the par threes. I keep my ball marker in my left pocket and I use only one-peso coins. I was even particular about the year of the coin in the past—1997 was my favorite. I keep my golf glove in my back right pocket and it has to be tucked halfway in, with the fingers hanging out. Trust me, these habits are pretty tame compared to other things I’ve seen.
My bathroom essentials are… I know it’s for women but I use Secret (Powder Fresh) deodorant. I used to take my mom’s stock, just got used to using it. Guess it’s not a secret anymore. I use Gillette Mach 3 razors when I don’t grow my beard out. My cologne of choice has been Roger & Gallet for years now.
In my golf bag, I don’t go anywhere without my… sunblock. I use Coppertone Sport Broad Spectrum SPF55. I only use the stick so I don’t get any on my hands. Also, Burt’s Bees Chapstick and Johnson & Johnson Waterproof Tape. And I carry some Mighty Bond just in case.
To unwind, I frequently… have home-order massages (Massages R Us) to stay loose, and relax. I never used to get massages but I guess I’m getting old and feeling it.
I’ve started using a few of my wife’s bath products lately… Neutrogena Body Oil (Light Sesame Formula) and Vaseline Lotion (Cocoa Radiant).
Cookie’s choice of golf apparel is from Nike Golf, and his bath and body products are from Watsons and Rustan’s department store.
Top tip
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