This week our Junior Golf Coach Q&A sees our very first Q&A from Asia!  We spoke with the lovely Bernie Tan in Singapore to learn about her journey into golf.

Thanks so much for speaking with us Bernie!

Tell us about yourself.
Hi my name is Bernie Tan, I started playing golf when I was 7 and I started playing golf competitively at age 10 turning 11.

I did a degree in Sports Science and golf too and really enjoyed it.  I started teaching full time when I was 21 and turned Pro when I was 22 years old.  I really love teaching golf and it’s something that is my passion.

How did you first get into golf?
I got into golf because of my awesome Daddy.  My first sport was actually tennis.

What’s your first golfing memory?
My first one would be me following my dad on course and pulling my Dad’s golf bag like his caddy!

What advice would you give to parents whose children have shown an interest in golf?
Definitely give it a try 🙂 it is a great sport with so many great things about it.  The scenery, the view, being outdoor and the values it teaches everyone of us.

Who has influenced you as a coach the most?
I definitely can’t just say one person but definitely a few awesome people.  One would be my Dad and another would be Steve Giuliano and Joe Thiel

How do you prepare kids from playing recreationally to competitively?
To slowly encourage them to join friendly tournaments and slowly increase their training practice in a week and add pressure situations in their practice situation.

In the UK, golf isn’t generally introduced in schools until later years meaning kids may not experience golf until their teens.  How does this compare to golf in your home country?
I think in Singapore, golf in schools is slowly increasing.  Golf Schools are definitely increasing and we have many golf schools offering golf classes.

What action would you recommend for UK schools to introduce kids to golf at a younger age?
For golf coaches to personally approach the schools and showcase their programs and show how much value it brings.  Golf can also work on building children’s motor skills, coordination and build them up as a person.

What’s the most rewarding thing about your job?
I love seeing the kids grow in the game and as a person.  It’s an honour to being part of their journey in life. It’s very rewarding and meaningful!

Who is your dream Fourball?
Tiger Woods, Lydia Ko, Christina Kim and Jordan Spieth would be a great game!

What course would you love to play most that you’ve yet to play?
St Andrews, the place where golf started.

Thanks so much Bernie.  It’s wonderful to learn of your journey into golf and about golf in Singapore.  Thank you for sharing your journey with us.

We look forward to seeing more of the amazing work you are doing with junior golfers in Singapore!