Read Time:4 Minute, 47 Second
28 February 2025 – At just age 16, Chen Xing Tong is already making her mark in Singapore’s golf scene. Speaking to us on the sidelines of a junior golf clinic organised by HSBC, she shares about her journey, her mental game, and what it means to compete on home soil.
High-Stakes Qualifier
Earning her spot at the HSBC Women’s World Championship 2025 was no walk in the park. The National Qualifying Tournament tested every ounce of her skill and focus.
“I started with a three-shot lead, but the final round got intense,” she recalled. “Aloysa caught up, and she made a birdie on the 17th to tie with me. The last hole was nerve-wracking, but I managed to par while she bogeyed, so I won by just one shot.”
A clutch performance under pressure—and proof that when the stakes are high, Chen has what it takes to deliver, even against her peers who are older and more experienced.
Learnings from Last Year
This isn’t her first time on the HSBC stage. Last year’s experience gave her a taste of what it’s like to compete at the highest level, but it also came with a new challenge: handling the crowds.
“I wasn’t used to playing in front of so many people, and I got really nervous,” she admitted. “But this year, I think I’ll be able to handle it better.”
Her mindset? Embrace the moment and enjoy the course. Less pressure, more fun.
The Mental Game
Golf is often seen as a mental game, and Chen agrees. While physical endurance plays a role—especially over three full days of competition—staying mentally locked in is just as important.
“For me, it’s about staying in the present and not worrying about the result,” she explained. “I focus on the process and set small, achievable goals.”
That ability to stay composed and trust the routine is what separates good golfers from great ones.
A Star Is Born?
Unlike many athletes who grow up in sporting families, Chen’s introduction to golf when she was just a 9-year old was purely by chance.
“My dad’s colleague gave him a set of golf clubs, and he just signed me up for lessons,” she laughed. “Before that, none of us had even touched a golf club.”
So, is golf a family affair now? Not quite.
“My dad tried playing for a while, but he didn’t like it because I kept beating him.”
Speed, Precision, and a Little Monster Spirit
When quizzed about who her idols were, Chen surprised us with her response.
“My favorite athlete right now is Lewis Hamilton,” she said. “His ability to stay focused and resilient despite challenges is really inspiring.” Chen would be looking forward to the new Formula 1 season, with the 7-time World Champion donning the famous Ferrari Red.
In golf, though, there’s no competition.
“I know it’s cliché, but Tiger Woods—no explanation needed.”
And music? Well, Lady Gaga is always on repeat. But more on that later.
Playing The Long Game
Like many of Singapore’s top young golfers, Chen has big plans for the future.
“My goal is to play college golf in the U.S. and then represent Singapore at the Olympics.”
Just last year at the Paris Olympics, 20-year old Shannon Tan became the first Singapore respresentative in the sport.
Right now, she’s juggling both training and studies at Singapore Sports School, where the system helps student-athletes balance academics and sport.
“The teachers are really understanding when we have to travel for tournaments, so that definitely helps a lot.”
Off the Course
Before we wrapped up, we threw some rapid-fire questions at her to get a glimpse of her off-course personality.
Most memorable shot?
“A hole-out eagle at Hole 5—literally just yesterday!”
Pre-game ritual?
“Picking a song to hum in my head before my rounds.”
Current music obsession?
“Lady Gaga, always. Right now, her new song Abracadabra is on repeat.”
Bucket list golf course?
“Augusta National. No question.”
Go-to snack on the course?
“Beef jerky—but sometimes dried fruit.”
Dream team for a round of golf?
“Tiger Woods, Atthaya Thitikul, and Lydia Ko.”
And her dad? “No chance. He wouldn’t like it—he’d get beaten by all of them!”
The 2025 HSBC Women’s World Championship will take place from February 29 to March 3, 2025, at the Sentosa Golf Club (Tanjong Course) in Singapore. Regarded as an Asia’s Major, the tournament will feature some of the biggest names in women’s golf, including past champions, LPGA stars such as Kim A-Lim, Danielle Kang & Muni He.
For Chen, this is another big step in her career—one that could set the stage for even greater achievements. And if she ever needs to calm the nerves? There’s always a Lady Gaga song to hum along to.
Happy
0 %
Sad
0 %
Excited
0 %
Sleepy
0 %
Angry
0 %
Surprise
0 %
0
0
