2024 ST Athlete of the Year nominee Shannon Tan

The Straits Times is celebrating outstanding Singaporeans selected for the 2024 ST Athlete of the Year award, backed by 100Plus. To get to know our athletes better, we asked them about their love for their sport, interesting experiences and who has influenced them. This is what golfer Shannon Tan told Kimberly Kwek.

Q: How has your love for golf changed?

When I first started, I just loved hitting balls and being out on the course. It was something I always looked forward to, especially since it was something my dad and I did together.

Now, I still love the game, but in a different way – while I still enjoy going to the range and hitting balls, I also enjoy the constant challenge and the process of getting better. Golf is a sport where you never stop learning, and that’s what keeps it exciting for me.

Q: What is the biggest way your life has changed since you turned professional?

Turning pro has been a significant shift from my amateur and college golf days. I’m now playing in many more tournaments – 29 events in 2024 compared to about 15 a year as an amateur.

Even on weeks when I’m not competing, I’m practising six to eight hours a day.

I also have to manage my own travel, work with sponsors and do media.

Another big change is pausing my studies, which was a tough decision, but Texas Tech has allowed me to take a leave of absence and held my credits, so I can always go back.

Overall, I’m living and breathing golf every day and, while it’s demanding, I love it because it’s what I’ve always wanted to do.

Q: What has been your most interesting experience on tour so far?

That’s a tough one! If we’re talking