The Next Stage

Unwavering determination and one heck of a golf game – these are just two of Tiffany Chan's many attributes. But having dominated the local golfing scene over the past few years she is now ready to take her game overseas.

Chan, 18, recently received word from Arizona State University that they wanted her to be a part of their "Sun Devils" golf team. Chan accepted their offer – and for those who know their college golf, her decision makes enormous sense.

Alumni from ASU include Phil Mickelson, Paul Casey, Billy Mayfair, Grace Park and Anna Nordqvist, and the college has a track record to match the names of their illustrious former students. The women's golf team has won the NCAA Championship a staggering 13 times; they have had nine individual national champions, 70 All-Americans, eight LPGA major winners and have claimed 78 team championships since 1982. Needless to say, ASU is considered among the premier golf colleges in the world.

This is what Chan, who will be teeing it up in the college's famous maroon and gold from August next year, had to say about what is undoubtedly going to be a very special time of her life:

I was so excited and happy that I performed well at the Callaway Junior World Championships this summer. I knew it was my last chance to really impress college coaches, and it was really important to me. I talked to ASU coach, Melissa Luellen, right after my round and it was then when she offered me the chance to be a Sun Devil. I gave her a call a few days later to accept. It has been my dream to play college golf, and it has come true. I could not be happier.

The process of gaining a college scholarship can be confusing, nerve wracking and exciting – all at the same time. I just tried to show all of the coaches my best whenever I had the opportunity. I have been in contact with ASU for almost a year prior to their offer, so we were constantly emailing each other. They had told me that they were looking forward to seeing me compete in the Junior World, so I knew that would be my big chance to make my collegiate golf dreams come true. Brad [Schadewitz, the national coach] really helped me a lot in communicating with the coaches. I know that it would not have been possible without him.