Flagship Asian LPGA event announces new name as Inbee Park confirms she will defend her title

HSBC announced that its flagship LPGA event will now be called the HSBC Women’s World Championship as ticket sales launched today for the eleventh edition of ‘Asia’s Major.’

The tournament, formerly the HSBC Women’s Champions, will take place from 1-4 March 2018 on the New Tanjong Course at Sentosa Golf Club, Singapore with defending Champion and Olympic Gold Medalist, Inbee Park, heading the field.

It will mark the climax of a special two-week festival of world-class women’s golf at Sentosa, which will open with the first-ever instalment of the Women’s Amateur Asia-Pacific golf championship, a new R&A Asia Pacific Golf Confederation event played on the same course at Sentosa from 21-24 February 2018.

HSBC, a long time global supporter of golfers at every level, has committed to inviting the winner of the 2018 Women’s Amateur Asia-Pacific to play in the newly named HSBC Women’s World Championship.

Off course, HSBC, with the support of the Singapore Tourism Board, has planned some exciting enhancements at this year’s event to ensure that this popular tournament grows in stature as an all-rounded event. There will be plenty of activities – like the popular Saturday night concert fixture – and outstanding food and beverage options to enjoy for all the family, with a new atmospheric ‘Power Hour’ introduced to take place at the close of play on each tournament day in front of the clubhouse on a bespoke stage featuring leading local bands.

There are also the HSBC-sponsored ASEAN Connects and Women’s Leaders Forums planned for the Thursday and Friday of the 2018 HSBC Women’s World Championship week respectively.

Reigning Champion, Inbee Park, a seven-time Major winner, took the opportunity to confirm that she will be defending her title in March. She commented: “This event is a very special one to all of us on the LPGA. I love the name change and it definitely reflects the stature the tournament has achieved over the years. I think it is a really nice link up with the Women’s Amateur Asia- Pacific tournament for the winner to qualify and it is a great idea from HSBC and the R&A. I look forward to seeing which exciting new young talent makes it through to the HSBC Women’s World Championship and to meeting her in March.”

Tricia Weener, Global Head of Marketing Commercial Banking & Sponsorship at HSBC said: “Our flagship event in women’s golf has evolved at a rapid pace over the past decade, acting as a catalyst for growth of the women’s game in the region. The stellar field, tough course and tough qualification criteria have always attracted the best players in the world to Singapore; just look at our previous Champions, legends of the game from all corners of the globe – Mexico’s Lorena Ochoa, Karrie Webb from Australia, Ai Miyazato from Japan, Paula Creamer of the USA and South Korea’s Inbee Park.

We are immensely proud of the tournament’s history but as a leading sponsor of the game we must continue to evolve and innovate to attract new fans and move golf into a new era. We believe the name change reflects the events hard-earned reputation of ‘Asia’s Major’ and the global nature of the event. We are excited to take the HSBC Women’s World Championship to the next level in 2018 through a winning combination of world-class sport and off-course entertainment. We hope you can join us there.”

LPGA Commissioner Mike Whan said: “The HSBC Women’s World Championship is a world-class event that draws the world’s best female golfers to Singapore. This event is a true favorite on Tour - for top players, fans and even commissioners!”

Guy Kinnings, Senior Vice President & Chairman, Golf, IMG, the tournament’s promoter, added: “We are honoured that the R&A has chosen to host the inaugural 2018 Women’s Amateur Asia-Pacific in conjunction with the 2018 HSBC Women’s World Championship. It is a real boost for women’s sport in the Asian region and will be a fantastic opportunity for all the amateur Singaporean players to get a chance to compete against the world’s elite amateurs for such a coveted title and a prized place offered by HSBC for the following week in ‘Asia’s Major.’”

Ms Jean Ng, Director, Sports, Singapore Tourism Board said: “The HSBC Women’s World Championship remains a lifestyle event that appeals to avid golf fans and casual leisure visitors alike. The blend of premier golfing action and entertainment offerings will continue to enhance both the fan experience this year, and Singapore’s appeal as a sports and entertainment hub.”

The six leading Singaporean amateurs will be invited to compete in the 2018 Women’s Amateur Asia-Pacific for the opportunity to earn a place in the HSBC Women’s World Championship. This will replace the local qualifying tournament held previously.

Tickets for the HSBC Women’s World Championship 2018 are available for sale now at https://www.hsbcgolf.com/womens. Single day tickets to the golf for Thursday (1 March) and Friday (2 March) are S$22 per day, while access to the tournament weekend, Saturday (3 March) and Sunday (4 March) cost S$33 per day. A 10% discount on General Admission Concert tickets will apply with the purchase of a Golf Season pass (access to all four days of HSBC Women’s World Championship 2018), which is priced at SGD$88.

For more information on the HSBC Women’s World Championship 2018, visit the tournament website at https://www.hsbcgolf.com/womens

Tickets go on sale for ‘Asia’s Major’

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