Erina Tan

Club: Mount Lawley Golf Club

Born: November 2005

Significant achievements

– Winner 2023 Drummond Golf Junior Girls Amateur Championship
– Winner 2022 Drummond Golf Junior Girls Amateur Championship
– Runner-up 2023 WA Women’s Amateur Championship
– Represented WA in Australian Junior Interstate Teams Matches in 2023
– Represented WA in Australian Interstate Teams Matches in 2023

During your schooling, what was your golfing timetable on an average week?
Depending on my schoolwork, I tried to practice whenever I could. That meant at least 2-3 hours after school, and I would get to the course to practice at least once a week and play a round of golf at least once a fortnight. During the holidays, I would practice 4-5 times a week for at least 3 hours each day, practice on the course at least once during the week and play a round of golf at least once a week.

You’re a big personality on and off course. How do you manage to switch between fun and serious modes on the golf course?
I’m someone who thinks realistically and can’t handle seriousness for a long period of time as it would ruin my whole mood entirely for the rest of the day! I adapt to how playful I am on the course depending on how I’m playing on the day, while still staying focused on my game. This is where my realistic mindset helps to switch me into serious mode when necessary.

What is the best aspect of your game and how did you get so good at it?
Bunker shots! When I was younger, I often heard other players complaining about how much they disliked having to play out of the sand. That motivated me to practice different shots from different lengths and angles in those bunkers, so now when I’m on the course I’m not afraid to get into bunkers.

What’s the best advice you would give to a junior golfer just starting out in the game?
Make sure you are having fun and practice properly, so you can improve quickly and achieve great results while you’re at it. Most importantly, don’t overwork yourself.

What do you consider your best achievement in golf so far?
Winning four out of my five matches in the 2023 Australian Junior Interstate Teams matches as the No. 2 player. I’m proud of this because this was my first time playing the event and would be my last time in the team because I’ll be too old in 2024! I learned so much about my own game when I was playing against those other top juniors.

Why would you recommend young golfers get into competitive golf as early as they can?
It’s important to start playing competitively early so they can experience the feeling of competition and pressure. This can really help players determine if they want to play golf seriously or not.

What is your ultimate golfing ambition?
To earn enough money to buy all of my wants while having fun!

Which golf event would you most like to win and why?
US Women’s Open because it is the most prestigious event in women’s golf.

What’s the best course you’ve ever played, and where would you most like to play that you haven’t already?
The best course I’ve played at is St Michael’s Golf Club in NSW. I would love to play at St Andrews someday.

One thing you’d change about golf?
Golf should change into making me feel better about myself instead of driving me into insanity within 5 holes!

Favourite pro golfers?
Rory McIlroy. He has a great swing and I admire his strong mindset. In the women’s game, it would be Atthaya Thitikul. She’s a great putter and is so consistent.

Describe yourself in 3 words
Laidback, goofball, competitive.

Post-golf dinner of choice
Beef Udon

What music are you listening to on the range?
Either K-pop or Pop music. Anything I can dance to!

Who would you most like to play fourball with?
Minjee Lee, Rory McIlroy and my Mount Lawley and WA teammate Valerie Khuu!

What’s in the bag?
Driver: Callaway Epic Speed; 3 wood: Taylormade M4; 5 wood: Cobra Rad Speed; 3 hybrid: Mizuno JPX 850; 4 hybrid: Taylormade M1; PW-5iron: 2014 Callaway Apex; 54 degree wedge: Titleist SM6; 58 degree wedge: Ping Glider; Putter: Taylormade SpiderX.

Visit Erina’s profile on the World Amateur Golf Rankings website here.