S’pore golfer Shannon Tan misses cut at Evian C’ship, but gains key lessons

SINGAPORE – One of Shannon Tan’s best traits is her calmness on the golf course, but playing in her first Major has highlighted the level of composure needed to compete with the world’s best.

This was just one of the many takeaways for her from the July 11-14 Evian Championship, where she became Singapore’s first female golfer to play in a Major.

The 20-year-old endured a challenging outing in France, missing the cut by nine shots after mixing a birdie, four bogeys and a double bogey for a five-over 76 on the second day of the US$8 million (S$10.7 million) event.

Tan, who carded a 75 in the first round, finished tied-120th with a nine-over 151 in the stacked field of 132 that featured 18 of the world’s top 20 players.

She said: “Competing in my first Major was an incredible experience. The atmosphere itself was amazing and set-up of the event was much bigger than other events I have played in.

“Despite missing the cut, I learnt a lot from this experience. In a Major, the pressure and stakes are higher, and staying calm, patient and focused is crucial especially when there are bad holes.

“I have a lot to learn from some of the more seasoned pros out here and how they manage their games, even when it isn’t their best day.”

The Ladies European Tour (LET) rookie believes that her experience at the Evian Resort Golf Club will help her improve as she prepares to to compete at the Paris Olympics from Aug 7 to 10.

After Paris, she will embark on her second Major, the Aug 22-25 Women’s British Open at St Andrews – the home of golf.

Tan said: “It has given me a clear view of areas I need to improve on, such as my short game, which was where I lost quite a few shots. I’ve been working on it the past week but it takes time to build consistency.

“Overall, while missing the cut was disappointing, the lessons I learnt from my first Major are invaluable and I look forward to the next tournament.”

Australia’s Stephanie Kyriacou (67) leads on 14-under 199 after the third round on July 13. American Lauren Coughlin (65) and Japan’s Ayaka Furue (70) are just a stroke behind, while defending champion Celine Boutier (73) is joint-35th with a three-under 210 total.

Among those who missed the even-par 142 cut were two-time and reigning Women’s US Open champion Yuka Saso, England’s world No. 9 Charley Hull and Thailand’s 12th-ranked Atthaya Thitikul.

Tan also relished the opportunity to learn from top golfers in her maiden Major appearance. Ahead of the tournament, she was able to watch England’s Georgia Hall – a two-time winner on the LPGA and the 2018 Women’s British Open champion – and Hull, up close as she played a practice round with them.

She said: “Playing alongside some of the best golfers in the world was both humbling and inspiring.

“It was nice to see familiar faces in the field, some of whom I played junior golf with.”

Singapore Golf Association general manager Joshua Ho said: “Qualifying for Majors is something every professional golfer strives for and the fact that Shannon has competed in her first Major is an important achievement in itself.

“It would have been a great experience as she prepares to represent Singapore at the upcoming Olympics.”