Published date: February 11, 2024 10:46 (EAT)
Singapore’s Shannon Tan and Kenya’s Chief Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi. At the Baobab Course Vipingo Ridge after the teenager won the Magical Kenya Ladies Open on Sunday, February 11. (Photo/Organizer)
Singapore debutant Shannon Tan overcame a tough final round to win the Magical Kenya Open by four strokes on a sunny afternoon at Baobab Course Bipingo Ridge on Sunday.
The 19-year-old started at nine under par, tied for the lead with Italy’s Alessandra Fanari, but birdies at Nos. 2, 3 and 5 quickly moved him out of the lead.
She went through the final round with a 3-under 70 and finished the tournament with a 12-under 280, but after three days of consistent golf, it was a great day with ups and downs that will go down in history.
She is the first Singaporean to win on the Ladies European Tour (LET), and this result also means she will take home the top prize of 45,000 euros.
This is Tan’s second professional victory in her career, having won the Singapore Ladies Masters on the China LPGA Tour in July 2023, but her first since turning professional.
“It was a difficult decision at first, but now I’m glad I made it! It’s a good thing and it’s good for my juniors back home because they know it’s possible and anything is possible. You can push it a little and stimulate it.
“I go into every event with the same mindset and goals and just do my best and control what I can. I can’t control what other people do, but I can only control what I can. Throughout the season, I just have to do my best and control what I can.” Just stick to the game plan,” she said.
Fanari finished in second place on the final day with a 1-over 74, leaving a four-stroke difference from the leader.
Five players, Manon De Roy, Ana Pelaez Trivino, Alice Hewson, Nataliya Guseva and Chiara Tamburini finished the season opener with a share of third place with four under par.
The trophy handover ceremony was officiated by Prime Minister Musalia Mudabadi and Sports Minister Abobu Namwamba, who reiterated the government’s commitment to uplifting sports in Kenya.
“We are once again delighted to be the main sponsor of MKLO. We have made significant investments and this sponsorship reinforces our commitment to providing opportunities for young people to develop and develop their talents. It shows,” Namwamba said.
Forming part of the 2024 Ladies European Tour calendar, the Magical Kenya Ladies Open provides a platform for talented female golfers from around the world to showcase their skills and compete against each other.
Absa Bank Kenya invested Shs15 million in the tour and secured its status as the official banking partner of the tournament.
The five Kenyan amateur golfers who competed included Naomi Wafula, Mercy Nyanchama, Channel Wangari, Jacqueline Walter and Kelly Gachaga.