Singapore’s sport fans are in for yet another treat early next year following the announcement that defending champion Paula Creamer will be returning in March to defend her title at the 2015 HSBC Women’s Champions. The tournament will return to the impressive surroundings of Sentosa Golf Club from 5 to 8 March 2015.
The 2014 edition of the tournament ended in spectacular style earlier in the year following a two-way playoff between Creamer and Spain’s Azahara Munoz, which saw the American sink a 75-foot eagle putt to claim victory and secure her place in the tournament’s history.
Speaking about her return to Singapore, the player nicknamed the Pink Panther is hoping that she can pick up where she left off on the Serapong: “I’m still coming to terms with that incredible moment, it was just phenomenal. I felt good all week and when it came down to the wire I managed to do what we all dream of doing when it mattered. It was a very special moment.
“I’m looking forward to coming back to defend my title next year. I’ve always enjoyed playing in Singapore – I think the course at Sentosa suits my game well. I came close in 2013 and then won this year so [I] will be doing my very best to hold on to the trophy in 2015. Look forward to seeing you in March,” added Creamer.
This year marks the eighth edition of the tournament often referred to as Asia’s Major. With a prize purse of US$ 1.4 million and one of the most competitive qualification criteria of any LPGA tournament, spectators can look forward to another elite sporting event in the Lion City.
Global Head of Sponsorship and Events at HSBC Giles Morgan said, “Paula’s 75-foot eagle was one of the defining moments of the golfing year and in recent years HSBC Women’s Champions has earned a reputation for producing great drama like this. I’m sure there is plenty more in store for next year’s showdown in Singapore.
“We’re working closely with the tournament organiser to continuously improve the experience for players, spectators and guests to ensure that the tournament lives up to its billing as Asia’s Major. We’re delighted to announce that Paula will be coming back to Singapore to defend her title in March and look forward to seeing her and the other LPGA Tour players return for what will be another fantastic four days of action on the Serapong.,”
LPGA Tour Commissioner Mike Whan added, “If you polled LPGA players, you would find that the HSBC Women’s Champions consistently ranks among their favorite events on Tour. HSBC and Singapore deliver world-class hospitality on a spectacular golf course. Paula’s putt in 2014 may be hard to match, but I’m certain that 2015 will bring a tremendous field of LPGA stars, and will likely provide even more fireworks come the final round on Sunday.”
For the third consecutive year, the tournament will be contested over 72 holes of stroke play with no cut on Sentosa’s par 72, 6,493 yard Serapong course. The field will once again be made up of 60 LPGA Tour players and three sponsor exemptions, including the winner of the Host Country Qualifying Tournament slated for this January.
Low Teo Ping, President, Sentosa Golf Club added, “We are delighted to welcome back the HSBC Women’s Champions for the third time to Sentosa Golf Club. We thoroughly enjoy hosting the world’s best women golfers, and it has been very gratifying to see how much they enjoy both the challenges presented by Singapore’s best golf course, The Serapong, and all the facilities here at Sentosa.”
Guy Kinnings, Global Head of Golf at IMG, the tournament organizer, added, “The HSBC Women’s Champions has established itself as Singapore’s preeminent golf tournament and we look forward to raising the bar once again with a number of new developments planned for the 2015 edition. I would like to thank our partners at HSBC for their continued investment in the tournament, our friends at Sentosa Golf Club and all the other sponsors who contribute to make this one of the very best tournaments in Asia. We look forward to another very successful tournament and creating a true showpiece event.”
For more information on the HSBC Women’s Champions 2015, please visit the tournament website at http://www.hsbcgolf.com/womens
