Publication date: February 12, 2024 06:32 (EAT)
Prime Minister and Cabinet Minister for Foreign Affairs and Diaspora Musalia Mudabadi wins the 2024 Magical Kenya Ladies Open in Vipingo and presents the trophy to Shannon Tan
Shannon Tan, the 19-year-old golfing sensation from Singapore, made an impressive debut on the European Women’s Tour (LET) by winning the 2024 Magical Kenya Ladies Open.
Tan secured a total score of 12-under 280 with a final round of 3-under 70, beating her nearest rival Alessandra Fanari of Italy by four strokes and making history as Singapore’s first LET winner.
Tan got off to an impressive start to the final round with three birdies in the first five holes. He had a small stumble on the par-5 sixth, but quickly regained momentum with a birdie on the seventh, finishing with a total of 35 on the front nine. He played bogey-free on the back nine, showing resilience and securing another crucial birdie. He clinched the victory on the par-5 11th.
The first player from Singapore to earn a full LET card, Tan’s path to becoming a professional was marked by determination and perseverance.
Reflecting on his victory, Tan emphasized that he stuck to his game plan throughout the tournament, saying, “I stuck to my game plan and tried to hit every fairway and every green possible.”
Her decision to turn professional just before the event highlighted the challenges she faced, but Tan remained steadfast in her pursuit of excellence.
Commenting on her win, she expressed pride in inspiring Singapore’s junior athletes, saying, “My juniors back home now know that it’s possible and anything is possible. I know,” he said.
Tan’s outstanding performance not only won her the title, but also the hefty cash prize of 7.9 million KES (45,000 euros), 500 LET Order of Merit Points, and the prestigious Aramco Award sponsored by PIF. She also earned a coveted spot on the Saudi Ladies International.
Meanwhile, second-place finisher Alessandra Fanari showed commendable skill and resilience throughout the tournament, finishing with a score of 8-under 284.
Despite narrowly missing out on the top spot, Fanali remained optimistic, saying, “Today I took on the challenge and gave myself a chance…Next week is another week.”
There were five participants on the podium with a tie for third place, demonstrating the international diversity and competitive spirit of the event.
The 2024 Magical Kenya Ladies Open, held at the PGA Baobab Course at Bipingo Ridge, attracted 108 golfers from 36 countries and was broadcast live around the world.
Sponsored by prominent organizations such as the Government of Kenya, Safaricom’s MPesa and Huawei, the tournament celebrated the intersection of sport, culture and international cooperation.