Tan ready to inspire next generation at HSBC Women’s World Championship
(Photo cr: HSBC/Getty Images)
By Calvin Koh
Shannon Tan is ready to inspire the next generation of local golfers as she returns to compete against the world’s best at the 18th edition of the HSBC Women’s World Championship.
The 21-year-old SGA professional enjoyed a stellar 2025 season, clinching the Ladies European Tour (LET) Order of Merit crown after two victories in Germany and India, along with six top 10 finishes.
Playing on a sponsor’s invitation, the World No. 90 will once again find herself in elite company as she tees off alongside nine of the world’s top 10 players as well as compatriot and SGA national squad member, Chen Xingtong at The Tanjong, Sentosa Golf Club.
“Having two Singaporeans in the field this year is a good thing to showcase Singapore golf on the world stage. I know what it’s like to look up to someone and want to be like them. It’s important to have role models.
“I saw a few juniors from the squad out there today at the longest-drive and nearest-the-pin challenges, and you could tell they put on a great show. One of the guys even hit it closer than me on the 17th hole. It’s really encouraging to see how passionate these juniors are about the game,” said Tan.
Tan, who was Singapore’s first golf Olympian at the Paris Olympics in 2024, finished tied-34th on her debut at the 2025 HSBC Women’s World Championship and is determined to build on that experience against the world-class field this week.
Despite her rapid rise, Tan confesses she still feels a sense of excitement and nerves when sharing the same stage with players she once looked up to.
“I still get starstruck sometimes when I see players like Lydia Ko. When I played last year, I was definitely more starstruck than I am now. I’ve since seen them at a few events, like the British Open and Evian Championship.
“I’ve got to know some of them personally, but having watched them when I was a teenager and then being in the same field as them, that really means a lot to me,” said Tan.
In the past 17 editions of the championship, 15 have been won by major champions, underscoring the tournament’s reputation as a showcase for the world’s elite golfers.
The HSBC Women’s World Championship will be hosted at The Tanjong Course, Sentosa Golf Club for the 13th time. Sentosa continues to receive global recognition for its leadership in sustainable golf and championship venue status, with The Serapong recently being named Asia’s Best Golf Course and Singapore’s Best Golf Course at the 2025 World Golf Awards.
Partners of the 2026 HSBC Women’s World Championship are: Sentosa, Singapore Tourism Board (STB), Marina Bay Sands, Lexus, Nunchi Marine, Singapore Airlines, Rolex, Hilton Singapore, AON, Epson, Puma, COBRA Golf, Ecco, Sony, Sunbird Brewing Company, Technogym, Loch Lomond Whisky, Titleist, Bluewater, Tanglin Gin, Yeo’s, Telmont, 2XU and SParms.