Golfer Shannon Tan becomes first Singaporean woman to make cut at a Major

SINGAPORE: Golfer Shannon Tan has made history once again.

After becoming the first Singaporean winner on the Ladies European Tour in February, she had a memorable summer in France – she became the country's first representative at a women's Major at the Evian Championship in July and then its first golfer to play at an Olympic Games the following month.

And on Friday (Aug 23) at the Women's Open at St Andrews, she became the first Singaporean woman to make the cut at a Major. This means she will compete in the final two rounds of the tournament.

Tan made the four-over cut comfortably, shooting a three-under 69 at the Old Course on Friday to sit on even par after two rounds.

She is currently in a tie for 21st place, eight shots behind leader – and world No 1 – Nelly Korda of the United States.

The world No 167 took to Instagram to celebrate the achievement.

"Double thumbs up for my first Major weekend @aigwomensopen," she said, posting a photo with said double thumbs up.

"It's even more special to do it at @thehomeofgolf. Let's keep going!"

Tan's third-round tee time is scheduled for 12.10pm local time (7.10pm Singapore time). She will be paired with Caroline Inglis of the US.

Among the big names that failed to make the cut were world No 3 Jin Young Ko of South Korea, world No 11 and reigning US Women's Open champion Yuka Saso of Japan and world No 13 Minjee Lee of Australia. All three are two-time Major winners. 

Three of the last five winners of the Women's Open were also cut – Sweden's Anna Nordqvist, Germany's Sophia Popov and Japan's Hinako Shibuno, who won in 2021, 2020 and 2019 respectively.