HSBC Women's Champions

With less than a month to go before the start of one of the leading golf tournaments on the LPGA tour, the seventh edition of the HSBC Women’s Champions confirmed the participation of a further five top international golf stars in the US$1.4 million purse tournament which tees off on The Serapong at the Sentosa Golf Club on 27 February.

Joining an already stellar field, including World No. 1 Inbee Park and defending champion and World No.3 Stacy Lewis (pictured), are Americans Paula Creamer (World No. 12), Cristie Kerr (World No. 13), Jessica Korda (World No.24), Michelle Wie (World No. 61) and Taiwan’s Yani Tseng (World No.43) (Rolex Women’s World Golf Rankings, 3 February 2014.)

24-year-old Wie, a crowd favourite and the youngest player ever to qualify for a United States Golf Association amateur championship at the age of 10, revealed “I feel really good after the winter break and am really happy with the way I am playing. I had a solid start to the year in the Bahamas and am really excited about the season ahead and especially, playing in the HSBC Women’s Champions. I always look forward to seeing my fans in Singapore. They are always very welcoming and supportive so I am looking to have a great week on course to give them something to cheer about!”

20-year-old Korda, who made a move in the Rolex Rankings this week moving up 16 places to No.24 following her win at the 2014 season-opening Pure Silk Bahamas LPGA Classic, said “I’m looking forward to returning to the HSBC Women’s Champions. I loved Singapore and really enjoyed the challenges of The Serapong course, finishing tied for fifth last year. Winning my first tournament of the year was a huge confidence boost so I’m hoping I can keep playing well and to carry on the good form and enjoy another great week in Singapore!”

HSBC Global Head of Sponsorship & Events Giles Morgan added “It is no surprise whatsoever to see the sheer strength and depth of this field – HSBC Women’s Champions is our flagship women’s event and a true test of champions. Qualification is tough, the course is tough and the competition is even tougher – that’s what makes it such a fascinating event for players, fans and TV viewers. We’re looking forward to another vintage renewal in 2014.”

Other leading international players to have confirmed their participation in the tournament include World No.2 Suzann Pettersen, World No.4 Lydia Ko, World No.5 So Yeon Ryu, World No.6 Shanshan Feng, World No.7 Na Yeon Choi, World No.8 Karrie Webb and World No.9 Lexi Thompson.

The seventh edition of the HSBC Women’s Champions will see 63 of the best players in the world compete for the honour of being crowned ‘Champion of Champions’ and a share of the US$ 1.4m prize purse. With nine of the world’s top ten players now confirmed to participate and the local qualifier, 14-year-old Amanda Tan, who won her slot at the host country qualifying tournament, the 27 February to 2 March tournament is set to provide the Singaporean public with yet another showcase international sporting event to savor.

For more information on the 2014 HSBC Women’s Champions and the latest field of players confirmed, please visit the tournament website at http://www.hsbcgolf.com/womens.

Image: Getty Images