HSBC, one of the most prolific supporters of world golf, announces renewal of its global golf sponsorship portfolio
HSBC, one of the world’s largest banking and financial services organizations, has announced the renewal of their HSBC Women’s Champions sponsorship securing the future of the tournament for the next three years.
Taking place at the Sentosa Golf Club, the 9th edition of the HSBC Women’s Champions will be played from 3rd to 6th March 2016 and is one of the most popular events on the LPGA Tour, consistently attracting all of the world’s best players. The 63- women field will compete for an enhanced prize fund of US $1.5 million at next year’s tournament, frequently referred to as Asia’s Major.
Giles Morgan, Global Head of Sponsorship and Events at HSBC, made the announcement at the 2015 HSBC Golf Business Forum in Shanghai in the company of LPGA commissioner Mike Whan alongside the news that HSBC has also renewed their sponsorship of the World Golf Championships-HSBC Champions and the Abu Dhabi HSBC Golf Championship.
Morgan said: “HSBC Women’s Champions is our flagship women’s event and has emerged into a truly world-class championship by any measure, becoming increasingly important for the world of golf and for the bank. HSBC is committed to opening up the world of golf and this tournament has done exactly that for women’s golf.
“We are extremely proud and excited to continue our relationship with a tournament that is so special for HSBC, for the players and for Singapore. Beyond the world-class action on the course, the atmosphere off it is just as electric, it really is one of the highlights of Singapore’s social calendar so we can’t wait for more of the same in the years to come.”
When American Paula Creamer, the 2014 HSBC Women’s Champion, whose 75 foot holed eagle putt to seal her memorable HSBC victory has been dubbed, "the putt heard round the world" was told the news that HSBC has extended their commitment until 2018, she said, “This is the very best news and what all the LPGA players have been hoping to hear. HSBC has been such an important partner to the LPGA, and this event is definitely one of the best tournaments of the year on our Tour. Singapore is such a wonderful city to visit and the tournament is incredibly prestigious with all the special touches HSBC does for the players and fans. On behalf of all LPGA professionals, we can't wait to return to Singapore in 2016!"
LPGA Commissioner, Mike Whan commented, “HSBC is a world class sponsor of women’s golf and it is fantastic to be here representing the LPGA as part of this important announcement for golf globally. HSBC Women’s Champions is one of the best events on our Tour and HSBC’s commitment to women’s golf is unwavering.”
Low Teo Ping, President, Sentosa Golf Club said “We look forward to welcoming back the HSBC Women’s Champions in March. The Serapong course, hosting HSBC and the LPGA for the last three years and recognised recently by Golf Digest and the Asian Golf Awards as Singapore's Best Golf Course for 2015, provides a very special venue for both the golfers, our members and all Singapore sports fans.”
Guy Kinnings, Global Head of Golf at IMG added, “Sponsorship announcements are always special but a renewal is somehow even more pleasing as it shows that the sponsorship has successfully delivered for HSBC. Our long standing relationship with HSBC is extremely important to us and our team will continue to work hard with our valued partners to strengthen and improve this fantastic tournament which is a highlight on the calendar for all involved.”
HSBC is one of the biggest supporters of golf worldwide with extensive youth and development community programmes in place to underpin their global tournament sponsorships. The presence of all of the leaders in world golf at the announcement underlines just how significant HSBC’s contribution is considered to be in the world of golf and how much the Tours each value the bank’s support.
The 2015 HSBC Women’s Champions was won by seven-time Major Champion Inbee Park with previous winners including Lorena Ochoa (2008) Jiyai Shin (2009), Ai Miyazato (2010), Karrie Webb (2011), Angela Stanford (2012), Stacy Lewis (2013) and Paula Creamer (2014).