Tan's Dream HSBC Debut

S'pore pro Shannon will soon have playing memories to go with watching event as kid

- Kimberly Kwek

Sitting among the silverware on a shelf in Shannon Tan's room is a Pink Panther soft toy signed by 10-time LPGA Tour winner Paula Creamer.

It is the only plushie she has kept from her childhood, a precious memento from the 2014 HSBC Women's World Championship, which the American golfer won.

Back then, a 10-year-old Tan had gotten Creamer, who was nicknamed after the cartoon character due to her fondness for wearing pink, to sign the toy after the latter's third round at the Sentosa Golf Club.

It is one of the many special memories that Tan has of the event, which she first watched as a spectator at the Tanah Merah Country Club when she was six and also volunteered at in 2017.

In 2025, the 20-year-old will be back at the tournament. This time, she is among the field of world-class players, after the organisers announced on Feb 4 that she is one of four golfers to receive a sponsor invite for the Feb 27-March 2 event.

The world No. 142 said: "From all that and then getting an invite to play is a dream come true.