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After a phenomenal performance last year, Kelly Tan is not only motivated to qualify for her second consecutive Olympics, she’s also aiming for a podium finish in Tokyo this coming July.
The Malaysian golf sensation, who amazed the world with an eagle finish last year, has risen to the 144th position in the Women's World Golf Rankings (WWGR) from a lowly 1,100th position in early 2019.
Kelly enjoyed an impressive run last year, missing only one cut in 10 starts with a tied 13th finish at the KPMG Women’s PGA Championship in Pennsylvania, which marks the best-ever outing from a Malaysian man or woman in a major golf event.
As only the top 60 will qualify for Tokyo, her current position of 40 in the women's Olympics golf ranking will ensure her a place at the forthcoming Games.
Kelly, who just got engaged to Canadian businessman Dustin Lattery last December, is looking forward to giving her best at the Tokyo Olympics.
“I have never played in Tokyo before, but I’ve heard a lot of good things about the course and I’m excited at the prospect of playing there soon. Since I didn’t do so well in my last Olympics, I‘m looking forward to Tokyo because I’m targeting to win a medal in this one.”
Kelly came in 51st at the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro.
“I have been training really hard and to win an Olympic medal is surely a special moment for any athlete," she said.
When asked about her outstanding performance last year, Kelly said, “Yeah, last year was great despite the pandemic and I’m glad I could turn 2020 into a positive year, both for myself and for Malaysian golf.
"I’ve worked hard on every part of my game with the help of my coach, Gary Gilchrist, and physically trained for it as well! Building up my confidence was key for me instead of just looking at my game results every day."
It is going to be a busy year for Kelly, who hails from Batu Pahat, Johor.
“We have 35 international events scheduled on the calendar," said Kelly, who started playing golf at the age of 12.
"Obviously, I have to plan out which ones I want to play as competing in every tournament is not healthy for me, physically and mentally.”
She said her next tournament will be the KIA classic at Carlsbad, California, next month.
"I’m looking to start my season at the end of March back in the United States and my goal is to lock down my spot for the Tokyo Olympics as well as have a consistently-solid year," she said.
"I hope to play in all the majors and hopefully capture my first win on the LPGA tour."
Kelly will also be eyeing to compete in the three Asian Swing events – the HSBC Women’s World Championship in Singapore, the Honda LPGA in Thailand and the Blue Bay LPGA in China – which all take place between April and May.
On a different note, when asked about her engagement, Kelly said, “It was great! A life-changing moment for me! It was truly a special day for me and my fiancé.
“My fiancé, Dustin, proposed to me at the 7th hole in Pebble Beach's Golf Links in California, which is the most iconic par-three in the world."
Kelly is glad that she got the chance to spend time with her family during the Chinese New Year period.
“The New Year in 2021 was a bit different as it was quieter, but in a way, it was good because I have a big family and I was able to spend time with everyone,” she said.
“I am really hoping for a great year ahead.” ─ The Vibes, 22 February, 2021
