Singapore's Tan makes history with Magical Kenya Ladies Open triumph

Singaporean debutant Shannon Tan overcame a challenging final round to win the Magical Kenya Open by four strokes on a sunny afternoon at Baobab Course Vipingo Ridge on Sunday.

The 19-year-old began the day in a share of the lead alongside Italy’s Alessandra Fanali on nine-under-par but moved out clear early after shooting birdies on holes two, three and five.

She carded a three-under-par final round of 70 to finish on 12-under 280 for the tournament but, after three days of consistent golf, it was a remarkable day of highs and lows that brought a piece of history.

She is the first Singaporean to win on the Ladies European Tour (LET), a result that also means she bags the €45,000 top prize.

It is the second professional victory for Tan in her career, after she won the Singapore Ladies Masters on the China LPGA Tour in July 2023, but her first since turning professional.

“It was a tough decision to begin with but I’m glad I made it now! It’s a good thing because juniors back home know it’s possible and that anything is possible, and it can push them a little bit and inspire them.

“I will go into every event with the same mindset and target and just trying to do my best and just control what I can. I can’t control what other people do, but just what I can do. I will just try to stick to my game plan throughout the season,” she said.

Fanali finished second after a final day one-over 74 left her four strokes behind the top spot.

Five players ended the season-opening event in a share of third place with Manon De Roey, Ana Peláez Trivino, Alice Hewson, Nataliya Guseva and Chiara Tamburlini all on four-under-par.

The trophy handover ceremony was graced by the Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi and the Sports Cabinet Secretary Ababu Namwamba who reiterated the government’s efforts to uplift Kenyan sport.

“We are once again delighted to be the main sponsor of the MKLO. We have invested heavily and this sponsorship demonstrates our resolve to offer the young people the opportunity to grow and nurture their talents,”Namwamba said.

The Magical Kenya Ladies Open, which forms part of the Ladies European Tour 2024 calendar, provides a platform for talented female golfers from around the world to showcase their skills and compete against each other.

Absa Bank Kenya invested Sh15 million in the tour, taking its position as the tournament’s official banking partner.

Among the five Kenyan amateur golfers who competed include Naomi Wafula, Mercy Nyanchama, Channelle Wangari, Jacqueline Walter, and Kellie Gachaga.