Golfer Tan might be shy, but she loves a scrap

Shannon Tan, the golfer, is a quiet enigma in a loud age. A modest presence in a showboating world. Her answers to questions are so short it feels she's rationing her words.

- Rohit Brijnath

Shannon Tan, the golfer, is a quiet enigma in a loud age. A modest presence in a showboating world. Her answers to questions are so short it feels she's rationing her words. Her volume is so soft it speaks of shyness. And, so of course, she meets victory in Germany with a barely lifted hand in acknowledgement.

But, please, don't be fooled. Nothing about her manner may seek attention, but her sturdy golf certainly does. This is a 21-year-old young woman with a polite love for a scrap.

On June 29, the Singaporean is leading at the Amundi German Masters near Hamburg by three shots as the final day begins. After eight holes she's five ahead. But at the 18th she's just one in front.

Surely she was nervous.

"Not really," she says during a chat with The Straits Times on June 30. "I was nervous before the day began."

Down the right on the 18th fairway are trees. Down the left is water. It's best to be straight but of course her shot goes where it shouldn't.

"Right beside the water." But not in it.

Luck? Probably. Panic? No way. Pressure? Of course, but with her it mostly comes from within.

The legendary tennis player Billie Jean King famously said "pressure is a privilege" and what she meant was that to be there, in a big arena, in a tough moment, in touching distance of winning, is to be where everyone wants to be. On the doorstep of opportunity.