Singapore: World number five Ko Jin-young is relishing the prospect of defending her title in front of galleries when she headlines the field at the 2023 HSBC Women’s World Championship.

The 15th edition of the event will take place from March 2-5 at Sentosa Golf Club, a Facility Member of the Asian Golf Industry Federation.

For the 10th time, the 72-hole stroke play event with no half-cut, will be contested over the Tanjong Course.

Reflecting on her triumph last year, Ko said: “It was a big achievement for me to win the HSBC Women’s World Championship as it had been a goal of mine with so many great players having won it over the years.

“I am excited to return to Singapore to defend my title, but I am even more excited to hear that we will have fans back with us in 2023.

“We have really missed having fans out there supporting us as they make the atmosphere so special. Singapore is a favourite destination of all the players, and I can’t wait to return and enjoy all the beautiful sights, the amazing food … and the wonderful fans.”

Grant Slack, EVP and Managing Director, Golf Events, IMG, the tournament promoters, said: “We have been so fortunate to be able to host the championship during the last couple of years with all the Covid travel restrictions in place. We are very grateful to the Singapore Tourism Board and the Singapore Government who helped facilitate this.

“We will be celebrating our 15th edition (in 2023) and we couldn’t be more excited to be announcing that we will be able to welcome spectators once again. We have some very special plans in place to both enhance our spectator experience and to celebrate their return in style.”

Sentosa Golf Club is a leading light in driving sustainability initiatives in golf and was named the ‘World’s Best Eco-Friendly Golf Facility’ at the 2022 World Golf Awards.