In Conversation: Shannon Tan, ST Athlete of the Year 2025
Why It Matters
Tan’s historic award and LET triumph signal a turning point for Singapore golf, driving youth participation and positioning the nation for future LPGA representation.
Key Takeaways
- •Shannon Tan wins 2025 ST Athlete of the Year, first golfer.
- •Captured German Masters, Indian Open, and Ladies European Tour Order of Merit.
- •Emphasized pressure as privilege; mental resilience key to contention.
- •Plans to earn LPGA Tour card after strong LET performances.
- •Serves as role model, boosting junior golf participation in Singapore.
Summary
Shannon Tan was named the Straits Times Athlete of the Year for 2025, becoming the first golfer to claim the award since its inception in 2008. At 21, she capped a banner season on the Ladies European Tour (LET) with two titles and the Order of Merit, marking a historic breakthrough for Singaporean golf.
Tan’s victories at the German Masters and the Indian Open propelled her to the top of the LET Order of Merit, a feat that required week‑after‑week consistency from February through November. She highlighted the mental shift of treating pressure as a privilege, a mindset that helped her navigate final‑round contention and major‑championship cuts.
During the interview, Tan recalled her caddy’s advice—‘pressure is a privilege’—and described missing Singapore’s hawker food while on tour. She also spoke about mentoring juniors at HSBC Women’s World Championships and conducting workshops, underscoring her emerging role as a national sporting ambassador.
Tan’s success raises the profile of golf in Singapore, inspiring a new generation and strengthening the case for greater investment in local facilities. Her next target—securing an LPGA Tour card—could further elevate Singapore’s presence on the global stage and attract sponsorships for aspiring players.
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