Kelly Tan started playing clubs at the age of 12, quickly rising through the junior golf ranks in Malaysia. As she celebrates her 30th birthday on the first day of the Maybank Championship, we discover not just a golfer, but a lifestyle built around dedication, dreams and the pursuit of excellence on and off the course.
“I don’t like being 30 but I have to face it. It is a game of longevity, in which golfers can compete at a high level until their later years, but I did not succeed for my own sake,” said Batu Pahat, a young girl from Johor, during his recent meeting at the Kuala Lumpur Golf & Country Club.
The last time she played here was at the Sime Darby LPGA Malaysia in 2017. She has participated in the tournament every year since the age of 17, progressing from an amateur golfer to a professional.
“I would say that in many ways, playing the LPGA in Malaysia changed my life. Little did I know that I would get a scholarship to the United States to complete a six-month university preparatory course and full-time golf program at a top academy where I would have the opportunity to learn from the best . And it really took my game to the next level,” she recalls.
From there, she decided to attend Q-school, where she quickly earned her card. “If you asked any professional golfer, they would compare their experience to how a lawyer takes the bar exam. It’s a real challenge,” she notes, referring to the rigorous qualifying tournaments held each year for premier golf tours like the PGA and LPGA Tours in the United States and the European Tour.
“Achieving this at a young age has really pushed me to where I am today and the Maybank Championship this year is going to be another life-changing moment, especially for the next generation. We have two amateurs playing and I can’t wait to see where the course takes them in five years.
In April, Tan took on the role of Maybank’s Asean Ambassador to strengthen her golfing career and drive greater diversity, accessibility and inclusion in women’s golf in the region. Tan will lead junior clinics and mentoring programs during his off-season.
“This is the first time I have worked with a bank. I feel truly blessed and grateful for her support, which extends beyond my career to the broader support of women. However, I am looking forward to securing additional funding to enable the expansion of my team and this is crucial if you wish to advance your career.
After a decade on the LPGA Tour, the golfer looks back on the sacrifices made for her golf course. Being away from her family and missing special moments has been difficult, but she has adapted perfectly and is grateful for the technology that connects her with her loved ones. Even though it’s different, she recognizes that it’s her dream job.
Tan understands that sacrifices come with the territory and views them as part of the game. She is grateful for the opportunity to pursue her passion professionally, knowing that it won’t last forever. Therefore, she does not see this as an obstacle but as an essential step towards achieving her dreams.
Right now, she is focused on the intense week of the tournament because she is the role model of women’s golf in Malaysia and there is always that extra pressure to live up to expectations. “I’m putting that thought behind me by focusing on the support I’ll receive from my family, friends and fans. It’s never easy playing in front of a home crowd, but I’m looking forward to it .It will be a special birthday week,” she said.
The two-time Olympian approaches each tournament with a consistent training routine, emphasizing flexibility, mobility and keeping her golf swing in tune. Tan recognizes the mental aspect of the game and has worked with a coach to reduce the pressure he puts on himself. During tournaments, she studies the course and develops a strategic plan with her coach Gary Gilchrist to optimize her performance. She also credits her strength and conditioning coach Rich Hesketh for her progress.
Balancing her career and home life (Tan is married to an interior designer) has been a challenge, but they’ve found ways to spend time together, even on the golf course. “He was my junior and we decided to find a new one this year so he could concentrate on his work. But I was struggling and he came back to the cart for me. Honestly, God has given me a lot,” she enthuses.
His advice to young and aspiring golfers is to never give up. “Golf can be a frustrating game and it takes a long time to master the skills; it requires immense patience. And always have fun, you will fall in love with the game more.”
Tan’s biggest dream is to win an LPGA event. “Winning would be like breaking the ice for Malaysia, the same way I paved the way for women’s golf and the next generation. If I achieve this victory, I will send the message to the children: “if anyone has done it, so have I”.
Learn more about the Maybank Championships with Maybank Group Chief Executive Officer Datuk Khairussaleh Ramli here.
This article was first published on October 2, 2023 in The Edge Malaysia.
