PETALING JAYA: Playing in front of home fans is always special – and Kelly Tan is soaking in every moment as she heads into the final round of the Maybank Championship at the Kuala Lumpur Golf and Country Club on Sunday.
Buoyed by cheers from family, friends, and Malaysian supporters lining the fairways, Kelly delivered her best round of the week yesterday – a four-under 68 that lifted her 17 spots up to joint 38th on five-under, making her the top Malaysian heading into the final day.
"It’s so nice to see familiar faces and hear people calling your name," said Kelly.
"I mostly play abroad, so being able to perform in front of family and friends means a lot. I just want to make them proud."
After opening with a 69 and enduring a tough second round of 74, Kelly found her rhythm again with six birdies and several clutch par saves that kept her scorecard tidy despite a few late bogeys.
"It was a steady round – I executed better than yesterday," said Kelly.
"I hit my driver and irons well and gave myself chances.
"When everything starts clicking, you can go low, and that’s what I did."
Her round included six birdies and several crucial par saves, which she credited for keeping her momentum intact despite back-to-back bogeys on the back nine.
"Those par saves really helped. They kept the round going," she said.
Kelly said she hopes the weather stays less sunny than the usual Malaysian heat, as she aims to keep her momentum heading into the final day, especially playing in front of a home crowd.
"I thought it (the weather) was nice. The first day was like this. Hope tomorrow (today) is like this too.
"I think it’s important to finish strong for the Malaysian fans. They love golf and the LPGA.
"The support has been amazing. Malaysian fans really love their golf, and I want to give them something to cheer about," she added.
