Nguyễn is the most common surname in Vietnam. The best way to explain the pronunciation of Nguyễn is as a single syllable: ngwin. Say it fast and don’t emphasize the letters “ng”.

This sisterhood was formed by a little girl named Lily, participating in her first golf program with The First Tee LPGA-USGA Girls’ Golf program. There, she met a teenager named Lauryn, volunteering as a junior coach with Girls’ Golf. When Lily found out that they shared the same last name, she quickly took to Lauryn and introduced Lauryn to everyone as “Chị Lauryn.” In the Vietnamese language, “Chị” means “elder sister.”

The two L. Nguyen’s (as their names appear on the WJGA scoreboard) reconnected at District 6 tournaments and their sisterhood grew to include Sofia (Lily’s older sister), Maya and Kylie (Lily’s cousins), and Brianna (their longtime friend). They became a family – texting each other encouragements before tournaments, traveling to golf events together, and most importantly, making bubble tea runs together.

The girls also share similar life experiences. They are first-generation Americans, born to Vietnamese refugee parents who escaped war-torn Vietnam. They share a humble upbringing, understanding everything their parents have endured, sacrificed, and fought for to provide them with the opportunity to pursue the sport they love.