KUALA LUMPUR: A touch homesick, lady professional Kelly Tan could not hide her excitement when she landed in Johor three weeks ago.
Following a ten-day break with her family in her native Batu Pahat, the 21-year-old got down to business to prepare for her homecoming LPGA tournament – what she previously described as the “toughest assignment on her schedule.”
But after a season full of struggles, the Sime Darby LPGA Malaysia can’t come at a better time for Tan.
Mentally and physically refreshed, she hopes that the familiar grounds of Kuala Lumpur Golf & Country Club, combined with the local support she can expect on the East Course, will make up for a flat campaign on the global tour this year.
“I didn’t touch my clubs for ten days – which was something new for me – but I needed that time off with my family and friends. I was feeling homesick and wasn’t having as much fun out there, so it was just great to lay-off for a while and catch up on the gossip and all.”
Much was expected of Tan after her solid start to life on the LPGA last year. But Tan found the going tough this season, missing the cut on nine occasions with a T25 finish at the Kingsmill Championship Presented by JTBC as her best showing. She lies 94th on the money list, having earned US$83,836 in 20 starts.
“There was a little stretch between June and July where I missed four consecutive cuts, which was really painful. I was mentally and emotionally exhausted and my putting suffered as a result. My confidence was ebbing and I was starting to doubt my technique.
“But if a rough season still means keeping your playing rights on the world’s most competitive women’s tour, that’s not a bad thing. If you look at the statistics, the difference between my last two season was that I had a very good T4 in Ohio last year. While my consistency is not yet at a level that I can be pleased about, it’s moving in the right direction,” shared Tan.
Her appearance at this week’s US$2 million tournament may well be her last for the season as she will be entirely dependent on invites for the rest of the Asian Swing. Tan believes that the time may be ripe for good display to end the year on a positive footing.
“Five years on, it’s becoming easier with every appearance. This is my fourth start at the Sime Darby LPGA and I can relate better with the proceedings. I think it’s a good thing that people expect Kelly Tan to perform well because it means people have faith in my ability. I can’t control that external pressure but I’ve learned that if I stay in the present, it helps a fair bit.
“I was speaking to my coach [Ian Triggs] earlier and we both agreed that controlling my emotions is going to be key this week. That’s what sets the best aside from the rest. I don’t want to set a target, a number for myself but I do have personal goals to achieve. I rather be happy, enjoy every single shot and just go out every day and do my best and if I do, I really don’t see how I won’t do well,” noted the gutsy lass.
