Ambitious and driven, golfer Kelly Tan, at the age of 26, already possesses an impressive array of achievements under her belt. She represented Malaysia in the SEA Games and recent Rio Summer Olympics, and is only the second Malaysian to make it into the Ladies Professional Golf Association (LPGA). The naturally sporty Tan took up golf at the age of 12 after injuring her spine playing competitive volleyball. Eager for another challenge, Tan revelled in honing the exacting technique which golf demanded and her talent was quickly noticed when she started triumphing at local tournaments (she’s won the Malaysian Open three times). The precocious teenager then pursued golf as a career and put herself on track to compete in the LPGA by enrolling in the IMG Academy before entering the PGA Q-School to get her tour card. Her journey thus far has not been without its pitfalls after Tan lost her full LPGA status in 2017 but through sheer grit, returned last year while receiving Class A/Veteran status. This year kicked off with a bang for Tan who headlined the first Els Club Kelly Tan Invitational held at the Desaru Coast. This year promises more exciting things from this promising young lady as she continues her LPGA journey as well as competing in the upcoming Tokyo Olympics.
It feels really great being back on the LPGA tour because I’ve been working very hard to get back on. Getting there is one thing but staying on and winning tournaments is another level but I’m looking forward to it and trying to move up the ladder.
I don’t think it’s right to have gender disparity in golf purses because it takes the same amount of effort and skill. Yes, the men may hit the ball further but ladies are much more accurate. I get so much feedback that people love watching women playing golf because it’s more relatable as women have the tempo and gracefulness. But more lady golfers are starting to speak out since last year and I hope this is the start of some change
Unlike Korea where the government and corporations are very supportive towards their golfers, even as the number one-ranked golfer in Malaysia, I don’t get as much support as I should. If you’re not even supporting your own top players, how are you going to nurture your young ones and that has been my question through my entire career.
The Els Club partnership is a great one for me, because I was born and raised in Batu Pahat and as a Johorean, partnering with the Els club which is such a prestigious club for Johor is a perfect fit. I love that I am helping to bring people to this upcoming part of Johor to experience the amazing hotels on Desaru Coast and this breathtaking golf course.
When I was pursuing my dream to get in on the LPGA, I never felt I had a role model
But now every time I come home, I meet more juniors who cheer for me and send me messages on Instagram. I hope that I inspire them so that they will successful one day too. This year I’m looking to set up a junior tournament to further this.
