RIO DE JANEIRO, 22 Aug 2016, (HK Golfer News Wire) - Chan saved her best for last in the final round of the women's golf competition in Rio to finish in 37th place in the standings.
The 22-year-old, a product of the Hong Kong Golf Association's junior development programme and one of only three amateurs in the elite field, offset four bogeys with six birdies and signed for a four round total of 288 (four-over-par).
Seven-time major winner Inbee Park scooped the gold medal – the first awarded for women's golf in 112 years – following a brilliant 66 to win by five strokes, while world number one Lydia Ko earned the silver. China's Feng Shanshan, who played a practice round with Chan earlier in the week, took home the bronze medal.
Starting at the 10th, Chan outscored her playing partners – former Ladies European Tour Order of Merit winner Gwladys Nocera of France and Japanese veteran Shiho Oyama – thanks to a sensational performance down the closing stretch.
Despite three bogeys in her opening four holes, the University of Southern California junior roared back by playing near flawless golf to close with her two-under 69.
Chan, who won the Hong Kong Ladies Open in June to catapult her into Olympic reckoning, said: “It’s been an unbelievable week, and to finish with my best round of the event on the last day was very satisfying. My goal was to finish in the top-40, so I’m very happy to have been able to achieve that.
“I grew in confidence as the tournament went on and the experience has been one I’ll never forget – playing on the same stage as the world’s best players, in front of so many fans, has been simply amazing. I’m going to be trying my hardest to make sure I get to play in the Olympics again, hopefully in Tokyo in 2020.”
The former Diocesan Girls’ School student, who had Hong Kong international Steven Lam Tsz-fung on caddying duties during in Brazil, is now in California to prepare for the first stage of the LPGA Tour’s Qualifying School, which starts on 25 August.
“I’ve learnt a lot about myself and my game during the whole Olympic period– during the qualifying period and then being in Rio and competing,” continued Chan. “I’ve been playing well and am excited about Q-School. I have confidence and belief in what I’m trying to achieve. Representing Hong Kong at the Olympics has been an honour … I’ve never experienced anything like it.’
Mark Chan, President of the Hong Kong Golf Association, said: “Tiffany has made Hong Kong extremely proud. She performed incredibly well on a difficult golf course and has proved to be a wonderful ambassador for Hong Kong golf. She has played in professional events before but never against players of this quality. To do as well as she has done was both remarkable and fantastic – it proves she can compete with the very best in the game.
“The whole team – including her caddie, Steven, National Coach Brad Schadewitz and her friends and family– have been a really calming influence on her and made her feel at ease.
“The effect her achievements will have on Hong Kong golf is very positive. It’s a very exciting time for both her and the game itself.”