Order of Merit leader Shannon Tan is hoping to continue her winning momentum into the Wistron Ladies Open this week, following her win at the Hero Women’s Indian Open to sit top of the Order of Merit.
The Singaporean reflected on how much she’s learned since her rookie season last year, crediting better scheduling and preparation for her improved form.
“I’ve managed my schedule a lot better this year compared to last year”, she said. “Last year was my first year on Tour and I played way too many events last year.
“I didn’t really know how to manage myself physically and mentally. I think I played about 29 events last year and that’s tough on your body and tough mentally as well. So, I took those lessons from last year and I’ve only played 20 events up until now. I think I now just go into every week feeling a lot more comfortable and rested so I can give it 100% whenever I play a tournament.”
Heading into this week at Sunrise Golf and Country Club, Tan is aware that conditions can get windy here even on the best of days, despite the current weather.
“It does get quite windy out there. At least I know what to expect coming into this week. I’ve been working on controlling my ball striking a lot when I was home last week and just trying to hit different ball flights.
“Anything can happen this week, or in China and Spain. Any of us can have a good week – that’s out of my control. I just need to focus on my own game and see what happens. Mimi [Rhodes] won back-to-back and then won three tournaments in four appearances. Some players will just have good weeks, and you just can’t control what they do.”
Due to no practice currently taking place, the 21-year-old is making the most of what she can. “Obviously, the weather’s not on our side currently, but there’s nothing we can do unfortunately.
“I’ve just hit balls in the golf simulator onsite and practiced putting in my room. They’re the only things we can do right now. Just make the best out of the situation that we have now.”
“I’ve been looking at parts of my game that I can improve on – one that really stood out for me was my short game. I can definitely see a big improvement compared to last year.”
Tan knows that winning the Order of Merit would be a huge achievement.
“To win the Order of Merit would be really great. There’s been some really big names who have won the Order of Merit, including Georgia Hall who won it back-to-back [in 2017 and 2018] – she’s one of my idols and to be in that same list means a lot to me. Also Charley Hull.
Players also get to keep full LET status for three years which adds further security, which the 21-year-old also reflected on.
Tan admitted being top of the Order of Merit wasn’t a main goal for her this season, but being top 10 was.
“I guess top 10 was one of my goals to be able to go to final stage for LPGA Q School. I think that’s mostly what I’ve been focusing on.“
The LET had a week break between India and here which saw Tan go home to Singapore. “I went back home last week and focused more on having breaks this year, and focusing on recovery.”
Tan kicks off her campaign at 11:30am (local time) on Friday, alongside Switzerland’s Chiara Tamburlini and Thailand’s Patcharajutar Kongkraphan.
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