Amanda Tan set for professional debut at HSBC Women’s 
Champions

SINGAPORE — At the 2014 HSBC Women’s Champions, Amanda Tan was an amateur golfer who found herself starstruck by her idols. Come next month, she could go head to head with some of the world’s best female golfers as a pro.

Fresh from clinching a coveted spot at the prestigious US$1.5 million (S$2.12 million) tournament from March 2 to 5 after winning the local qualifying tournament yesterday, the Singapore golfer has decided to swing into the world of professional golf. And, if all goes according to plan, she will make her pro debut at the Sentosa Golf Club (SGC).

“Turning professional at 18 has always been my goal since I started playing competitive golf,” said Amanda, who turns 18 next week.

“Hopefully, the HSBC Women’s Champions will be my first pro event. I didn’t plan it on purpose, but having my first event in Singapore and at my home club at SGC really matches up well.”

Turning pro was a decision she made easily. Two years ago, while still a Secondary 3 student, she decided to take a break from her studies at the Singapore Sports School (SSP) to focus on golf. The teenager has not been back in a classroom since. After winning a team bronze at the 2015 SEA Games, she relocated to Brisbane, Australia for an 18-month stint to play and compete full-time.

“To be honest, I don’t miss school,” she admitted. “I was never the good kid who brought home good grades. Golf is the priority now.”

The teenager plans to travel to Hainan, China, next month to compete in the China Ladies Professional Golf Association (CLPGA) Qualifying Tournament to earn a spot for the 2017 season. Her plan is to compete on the prestigious United States LPGA Tour one day.

Before that, Amanda will get another chance to rub shoulders with her idols in the LPGA — world No 1 Lydia Ko and Thailand’s Ariya Jutanugarn (2) — at next month’s HSBC Women’s Champions.

Joint-second on 77 after the first round of the local qualifiers on Wednesday, she clawed back into contention yesterday with her score of four-over 76 to force a three-way playoff with Day 1 leaders Callista Chen and Saran Tan, after all three carded a two-day total of 153.

The playoff at the New Tanjong Course’s 18th hole proved to be a test of nerves, with Chen throwing in the towel after playing two tee-shots out of bounds. The two remaining contenders landed their shots in the bunker around the green, but Amanda’s skilful chip out saw her saving for par, while Sarah finished with a bogey.

Mission accomplished, Amanda is looking forward to her second outing at the SGC.

“I played with Lydia during the practice round that year (2014) and it was really good as I learnt a lot from that experience,” she said.

“I hope to do better than what (last year’s winner Koh) Sock Hwee did last year (joint-59th) and it all comes down to how I prepare going into this 
tournament.”