Singapore: Tanah Merah Country Club (TMCC) will welcome the Hana Financial Group Singapore Women’s Open (HFGSWO) back to its Tampines Course this year.
Extended from three rounds to four, the S$1.1 million (about one billion Won) tournament will be staged from March 7-10.
Hana Financial Group is also returning as the title sponsor, continuing its support for the development of women’s golf in Asia-Pacific.
Jointly sanctioned by the Singapore Golf Association (SGA) and Korean Ladies Professional Golf Association (KLPGA), the event will form part of the Ladies Asian Tour Series.
It’s also set to be the season-opener of the 2024 Korean LPGA Tour while capping two weeks of top-notch women’s golf in Singapore, following on from the HSBC Women’s World Championship at Sentosa Golf Club.
To be played over 72 holes, the HFGSWO will feature a field of 102, including leading players from Australia, New Zealand, Thailand and Korea as well as the top professionals and amateurs from Singapore.
“We are delighted that the Hana Financial Group Singapore Women’s Open will return and take place on the same iconic course as the inaugural edition,” said Tan Chong Huat, President of the SGA, an Associate Business Member of the Asian Golf Industry Federation (AGIF).
He added: “With four rounds of action, local and regional fans can look forward to a thrilling display of golf. This is also a great opportunity for our local players to test their mettle against some of the best female golfers in the world. The experience is invaluable for our players who can only thrive and continue to improve when they have more playing opportunities.
“We are extremely grateful to title sponsor Hana Financial Group, the Tanah Merah Country Club and all our partners for their continued support of the event and in promoting women’s sport in the region.”
Staged at the Tampines Course in late 2022, the first edition of the HFGSWO was won by Korean Park Ji-young.
“TMCC has initiated extensive enhancements to the greens aimed at diversifying pin positions to enhance the course’s playability and challenge,” said Ronald Ong, Club President at Tanah Merah, a Facility Member of the AGIF.
He added: “The Club is looking forward to welcoming the women golf professionals in the region and witnessing some terrific golfing action at our championship-ready Tampines Course.
“The Tampines Course has already established itself as one of the premier championship courses in Singapore and the region. Hosting the SWO reaffirms the course’s quality, and the Club is excited to present our finest on the global stage.”
Singapore’s Aloysa Atienza, who was named the 2023 SGA Female Golfer of the Year, said: “It’s always nice to have the opportunity of playing in your national Open. It’s not very often that we get to play professional events in Singapore and playing in the Hana Financial Group Singapore Women’s Open is a good chance for us to compete against the region’s best players.”