Nine of the world’s top 10 to feature in the HSBC Women’s World Championship
The stage is set for the 2026 HSBC Women’s World Championship to showcase one of the strongest fields in women’s golf this week, as the world’s top ranked golfers gathered on the 18th green of Sentosa Golf Club to celebrate ‘Asia’s Major’ bringing the world’s best to Singapore.
World No. 6 Lydia Ko will draw on cherished memories of her breakthrough victory as she returns to Singapore to defend her title at the US$3 million HSBC Women’s World Championship, which tees off this Thursday at Sentosa Golf Club.
The New Zealander captured the 72-hole stroke play title by four shots last year at The Tanjong Course on her 11th attempt, a triumph she described as especially meaningful because of her long connection with local fans.
Ko, an LPGA Hall of Famer and Olympic gold medallist, has missed only one edition since the tournament’s inception in 2008 and hopes to build on what she called an “unbelievable” 2024 season. At 28, she remains driven to complete the career Grand Slam, believing her game is trending upward as she continues refining her craft.
Ko commented: “This was a title I had been eying for a long time and winning it last year was such a highlight for me. The HSBC Women’s World Championship always attracts a super-tough field and just standing amongst the amazing line-up of players this afternoon definitely shows why this event has the reputation of ‘Asia’s Major.’ I am thrilled to be back in Singapore and excited for the week to begin and for the opportunity to try to defend my title.”
Her title defence, however, comes against one of the strongest fields in women’s golf, with nine of the world’s top 10 players competing in the 18th edition of the tournament.
Jeeno Thitikul of Thailand. (Photo by Yong Teck Lim/Getty Images)
Leading the charge is World No. 1 Jeeno Thitikul, who arrives in top form after winning the Honda LPGA Thailand for her eighth LPGA title. Thitikul said she is focused on her performance rather than rankings, noting that consistency and smart decisions are key to staying at the top.
The elite 72-player field also features 17 of the world’s top 20, 16 major champions with 25 major titles between them, four past champions, and seven former world No. 1s, underlining the event’s reputation as one of the most prestigious stops on the LPGA Tour.
Staged for the 13th time at Sentosa’s acclaimed Tanjong Course – part of a venue widely recognised for sustainability and championship excellence – the tournament has been won by major champions in 15 of its 17 previous editions.
Local interest will also centre on Singapore’s Shannon Tan, the 2025 LET Order of Merit winner, who expressed pride in welcoming the world’s best players to her home country.
With global stars, rising talents, and passionate fans converging in the Lion City, the HSBC Women’s World Championship once again promises a spectacular showcase of elite women’s golf on one of the sport’s grandest stages.
