Singapore: Three-time Major champion Lydia Ko will return to Sentosa Golf Club to defend her title at the 2026 HSBC Women’s World Championship.

In her 11th appearance at the tournament, Olympic gold medallist, Ko won the 2025 championship with a four-shot victory over Japan’s Ayaka Furue and Thailand’s Jeeno Thitikul, following a final-round 69. The win marked the 23rd LPGA Tour title of her career.

New Zealander Ko said: “I’m really excited to be returning to the HSBC Women’s World Championship as the defending champion. Winning this event has always been a goal of mine, and to finally achieve it was an incredible moment.

“The course, the fans, and the atmosphere in Singapore make it such a special tournament, and I feel so proud to have my name on the trophy. I’m excited to come back next year and give it my all in defending the title.”

Ko has enjoyed a distinguished career in women’s golf, with three Major championships and three Olympic medals (bronze, silver, and gold). In 2024, she became the youngest inductee into the World Golf Hall of Fame at just 27 years old.

HSBC has been the title sponsor of the HSBC Women’s World Championship since its inception in 2008 and recently renewed its agreement for another five years, increasing both the prize money purse to US$3 million and the field to 72 players for this year’s event from February 26 to March 1.

Wong Kee Joo, CEO of HSBC Singapore, said: “We are proud to continue our long-standing partnership and commitment to women’s golf with the renewal our title sponsorship of the HSBC Women’s World Championship through to 2030. This reaffirms our dedication to ‘Asia’s Major’ and to showcase Singapore as a stage for world-class sport.

“This tournament continues to play a pivotal role in highlighting the strength and global appeal of women’s golf and we look forward to welcoming the world’s best golfers, including defending champion Lydia Ko, back to Singapore for the 18th edition of the HSBC Women’s World Championship. Sentosa Golf Club has been an exceptional host, and we are excited for another outstanding week of competition on the world’s first carbon neutral golf clubs.”

Of the event’s 17 past editions, 15 have been won by Major champions, underscoring the tournament’s reputation as a showcase for the world’s elite golfers. The 2025 field featured players from 22 nationalities, including 19 Major champions and nine of the world’s top 10.

The 72-hole stroke play championship will once again take place on the Tanjong Course at Sentosa Golf Club, hosting the event for the 12th time, and currently second on Golf Digest’s Best Courses in Singapore list. Sentosa continues to receive global recognition for its leadership in sustainable golf and championship venue status, with The Serapong being named Asia’s Best Golf Course and Singapore’s Best Golf Course at the 2025 World Golf Awards.

*Sentosa Golf Club is a member of the Asian Golf Industry Federation.