2024 will mark Malaysia's Kelly Tan's 11th year on the LPGA Tour, but before entering the new season the Batu Pahat lass is ready for some well-earned rest and recharge time back home with her loved ones.

"Me and Dusty will be heading back to Malaysia, and we'll be going away for a short vacay with my family," shared Tan, who always held family close to heart.

"It's been a while since the whole family and my parents went somewhere. Looking forward to coming home and really be away from golf for a bit," added the 30-year-old.

This year had been decorated with more downs than ups for Tan and she had to go back to LPGA Q-Series after finishing outside the top 100 in the season-long Race to CME Globe points standings. The Malaysian displayed the tenacity and resolve that has been a hallmark of her career with a T27 finish in the gruelling Q-Series, which moved her up from category 16 to 15 on the LPGA priority list.

"Q-School is tough! It tests every part of the game, mentally and physically. It's a marathon and not a sprint and I had to keep telling myself that every single day," said Tan.

Asked what emotion she felt after securing her LPGA status for 2024, she replied: "Relief!

“It's been a tough year and it seems like I had trapped myself in this dark hole, but I'm glad to have an incredible team of people around me, including my husband, family, friends, and sponsors."

Kelly Tan of Malaysia posing with the tour card after the sixth round of LPGA Q-School at Magnolia Grove Golf Course.

Tan has extra reason to be excited about next season as it will be the first time two Malaysians will be competing on the LPGA Tour, with rookie Natasha Oon who secured her card by finishing second on the Epson Tour's Race to the Card rankings.

"I've always told Dusty it'll be cool to see another Malaysian on tour and now Natasha will be on tour with me," shared the veteran.

As a role model whom young juniors look up to, Tan is ready to show Oon the ropes and provide support whenever necessary. "I look forward to spending time with her, and being her big sister on tour if she ever needs anything, as I know how lonely and tough it can be sometimes."

Tan’s performance at the Q-Series in Mobile, Alabama, showed a glimpse of the results of her hard work through the final quarter of the year. Tan made a recent coach change from long-time South African coach Gary Gilchrist to California-based Bryan Lebedevitch.

"I truly appreciate the work Gary has done for me in the last six years, and he will always be a great friend and part of my success. I have recently started working with Bryan Lebedevitch, so it's great to see some results showing on some of the changes we made."

All in all, Tan has strong positive vibes about the coming year.

"I’m going to work super hard as well to prepare for 2024 and I believe it is going to be a great year for me!”