Tell us about your journey into the world of golf. What ignited your passion for the game and inspired you to pursue it professionally?
I started playing golf when I was just five years old, and I just fell in love with the game. Hitting balls and playing after school was something I always looked forward to. It was also something my dad and I did together, which made it even more special. As I got older, I started taking golf more seriously, competing in local and international events. Watching the LPGA growing up was a huge source of inspiration for me. Around the age of 13 or 14, I decided I wanted to pursue golf professionally, and my family moved to Australia to support that dream. I am incredibly grateful for their support and the opportunities that I have had along the way.
What do you enjoy most about the sport? What keeps you coming back to the course day after day?
What I love most about golf is that it is always a challenge. No two rounds are ever the same and there is always something to improve on. You never truly “master” the game. It is about trusting the process and constantly working to get better. That pursuit of improvement is what keeps me motivated every day.
Walk us through your mental and physical preparations in the run-up to a major tournament. How do you get yourself in the perfect headspace to compete at the highest level?
Routine is key when preparing for a tournament. I make sure I have put in the right work during practice so that I can trust my preparations when I compete. Physically, I focus on mobility work, recovery and making sure my body feels good. The night before, I aim for at least eight hours of sleep and eat the right food to fuel my body. Pasta is usually my go-to meal. On game day, I try to stay in the moment, keep calm and listen to my favourite music during warm-ups to stay relaxed.
What has been the biggest challenge you have faced in your golfing career so far – and how did you manage to overcome that obstacle to keep reaching new heights?
One of the biggest challenges has been learning how to pace myself and manage my schedule. Last year, I played 29 events, and after long stretches of competing, I felt exhausted. Balancing travel, practice and recovery is something that I am still learning to do. Moving forward, I will focus on being more disciplined about my routine, knowing when to take breaks and listening to my body. That is my priority.
You are the first Singaporean golfer to make the Olympics, which is truly inspiring. How does it feel to have achieved this milestone, and what does it mean for you and your country?
Competing in the Olympics was an absolute dream come true. Representing Singapore on such a global stage was an incredible honour. Those were probably the biggest crowds that I have ever played in front of. I hope that my journey shows that Singapore can compete at the highest level in golf and that it inspires more young players, especially girls, to take up the game and dream big.
This interview was published in the spring 2025 edition EFG’s InTalks magazine. Shannon also recently joined us on our Beyond the Benchmark podcast where she shared her strategies for maintaining focus and discipline while on tour, and how she copes with the pressure of playing against some of the best in the world. Listen on Spotify or Apple Podcasts.