Singapore: HSBC has renewed its HSBC Women’s Champions sponsorship, securing the future of the tournament for the next three years.
The ninth edition of the HSBC Women’s Champions will be played from March 3-6, 2016 at the Sentosa Golf Club, a Golf Facility Member of the Asian Golf Industry Federation.
Among the most popular events on the LPGA Tour, the HSBC Women’s Champions consistently attracts the world’s best players. The 63-women field next year will compete for an enhanced prize fund of US$1.5 million.
Giles Morgan, Global Head of Sponsorship and Events at HSBC, made the announcement in the company of LPGA commissioner Mike Whan, alongside the news that HSBC has also renewed its 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.”
American Paula Creamer, the 2014 HSBC Women’s Champion, whose 75-foot holed eagle putt to seal her victory, 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 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!”
Of the sponsor’s extension until 2018, Whan said: “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 of 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 as Singapore’s best 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.”
This year’s HSBC Women’s Champions was won by seven-time Major champion Park In-bee, while previous winners include Lorena Ochoa (2008) Shin Ji-yai (2009), Ai Miyazato (2010), Karrie Webb (2011), Angela Stanford (2012), Stacy Lewis (2013) and Creamer (2014).