Since its inception in 2008, the HSBC Women’s World Championship in Singapore has become a mainstay on the LPGA calendar. Known as “Asia’s Major,” this prestigious tournament has attracted a star-studded field and produced a list of champions that reads like a Who’s Who in women’s golf.
Out of the 13 winners in Singapore, all but two (Ai Miyazato and Ha Na Jang) are major champions. Furthermore, seven of these champions have held the title of World No. 1 at some point in their career, and three are honored members of the LPGA Hall of Fame, namely Inbee Park, Lorena Ochoa, and Karrie Webb.
As we approach this year’s HSBC Women’s World Championship at Sentosa Golf Club, fans and players alike are eagerly anticipating the competition. Headliners of the event include back-to-back champion Jin Young Ko, current No. 1 Lilia Vu, last week’s winner Patty Tavatanakit, and Lydia Ko, who has the chance to secure her spot in the LPGA Hall of Fame with a victory.
This tournament sets itself apart with its unique format. It is a no-cut, limited-field affair, which means that all the players have the opportunity to showcase their skills over the entire duration of the event. In the past, the HSBC Women’s World Championship was also known for its glamorous photo shoots and the iconic Singapore Sling cocktail.
When the HSBC made its debut in 2008, the purse was an impressive $2 million. In that inaugural year, Lorena Ochoa claimed the title and took home a prize of $300,000. The following year, Jiyai Shin followed suit with a victory and the same prize money. However, as the global economy took a hit in 2010, the tournament’s purse was reduced to $1.3 million, and it has yet to return to its original amount.
This year, the purse stands at $1.8 million, with the winner receiving a prize of $270,000. It is worth mentioning that Jin Young Ko, the reigning champion, won the same amount last year. In 2022, Ko earned $255,000 for her first HSBC victory.
Despite the longevity and prestige of the HSBC Women’s World Championship, there have been noticeable changes in recent years, particularly regarding the participation of American stars. While the tournament covers airfare, hotel costs, and transportation for players, not all have chosen to make the trip to Singapore.
For example, Lexi Thompson has not competed in the championship since 2019. Recently, she participated in an LET event in Saudi Arabia and will be playing in an Aramco Team Series event in Florida next week. Nelly Korda, who finished second at the HSBC in 2023, decided to take a seven-week break following her victory at the Drive On tournament. Megan Khang and Solheim Cup players Ally Ewing and Rose Zhang are also absent from the Singapore event this year.
It is important to note that the players are responsible for covering the travel expenses of their caddies. Considering the financial aspects, it’s no surprise that some players opt out of tournaments when the overall earnings might not outweigh the costs involved.
Given the current landscape of women’s golf, with only 14 U.S. players in the top 100 of the Rolex Rankings, the absence of American stars from an elite field of 66 players is noticeable. This trend was evident in both last week’s tournament in Thailand and this week’s HSBC Women’s World Championship, where only 11 Americans participated.
Nevertheless, this championship is still filled with excitement and has seen its fair share of memorable victories over the years. From Paula Creamer’s incredible 75-foot eagle putt in a playoff a decade ago to Michelle Wie West’s clutch 36-foot birdie putt to secure the title in 2018, each edition of the HSBC has provided its own thrilling moments.
As we reflect on the past winners of the HSBC Women’s World Championship, it becomes clear that this tournament has become a stage for the world’s best golfers to demonstrate their skills. With its rich history and its reputation as “Asia’s Major,” it continues to be a significant event on the LPGA tour.
In conclusion, the HSBC Women’s World Championship in Singapore is a legendary tournament that has showcased the talents of numerous major champions, former World No. 1s, and LPGA Hall of Famers. While it may have seen a decline in American participation in recent years, the event still holds its allure and offers an exciting stage for players from around the globe to compete for the coveted title.
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