Singapore golfer Shannon Tan encouraged by joint-3rd finish ahead of Olympics

SINGAPORE – With the Olympics looming on the horizon, Singapore golfer Shannon Tan received a timely shot in the arm in Italy on June 16.

She placed joint-third at the Italian Open to record her best finish at a Ladies European Tour (LET) event since her debut victory in February’s Magical Kenya Open.

The Singaporean carded a two-under 70 in the third and final round for a seven-under 209 total, tied with France’s Camille Chevalier (66) and Italian amateur Francesca Fiorellini (67). They were three shots behind English winner Amy Taylor (69) and two adrift of Spain’s Maria Hernandez (67).

Tan, 20, said: “Overall, my performance this week has been an improvement over the past few weeks. I am feeling more confident with my swing and driving and striking the ball more consistently, which has helped me hit more fairways and greens this week, which is always the goal.”

“I feel like I missed some shots earlier in the week so there is always room for improvement.”

Tan, who turned professional earlier in 2024, is set to be on the list of Olympic-bound female golfers when the cut-off is made on June 24.

She believes that her performance at the Golf Nazionale is a positive step ahead of the Games, adding: “It is encouraging to see improvements as we get closer to the Olympics.

“There is still some time between now and the Olympics so the goal is to take it one shot at a time, and always find things to improve on each week.”

Tan, sixth on the Order of Merit, takes part in the Czech Open, Aramco Team Series London and the Dutch Open before heading to Paris for the July 26-Aug 11 Games.