Malaysia’s Kelly Tan enjoyed a confidence-boosting T22 finish in the Lotte Championship yesterday, thanks to a superb final two rounds at Kapolei Golf Club in Oahu, Hawaii.
The country’s top lady golfer caught fire over the last 36 holes, firing successive 66s for a total of 15-under-par. Kelly had made the halfway cut of -3 on the number following rounds of 72 and 69.
“It was a great week to build confidence, especially with not playing the first couple of events while stuck in Malaysia. It will help to have had a strong finish this week,” said the 27-year-old, whose two previous starts for the season saw a missed cut in the Kia Classic and a T63 finish in the ANA Inspiration.
“I’ve been really playing well other than the first round in the Kia Classic. Things really started to come together in Hawaii and I made some great putts,” she added.
The Lotte Championship was won by former World No 1 Lydia Ko on 28-under-par, ending a three-year title drought for the New Zealander.
Kelly now heads back to mainland USA for the coming week’s Hugel-Air Premia LA Open in Los Angeles, followed by the US Women’s Open qualifier at Half Moon Bay Golf Links near San Francisco.
“I’m excited for LA to keep the momentum going, and then I will play my US Open qualifier just outside of San Francisco the Monday after,” she noted.
While Kelly enjoyed a career best 2020 season on the LPGA Tour, finishing 37th on the Race To CME Globe standings, she has to play herself into many events this year as the LPGA is basing player status on 2019 due to Covid-19.
Kelly noted that the off-season work she put in with coach Gary Gilchrist is beginning to pay off. “Every time I get a chance to work with Gary, it really boosts my confidence and it’s nice to see results now.
“I have a long season ahead and want to have another consistent year … I am in it for the long haul! Starting well is exactly what I needed,” shared Kelly.
