The Singapore Ladies Masters is set to see 132 players from 14 countries and regions battle for top honours when the inaugural event tees off at the Laguna National Golf Resort Club on Thursday.
As the first China Ladies Professional Golf Association (CLPGA) event to be staged outside China since 2019, the US$100,000 features an international field that includes current order of merit leader Sherman Santiwiwatthanaphong from Thailand, China’s Shi Yuli, Sui Xiang, Malaysia’s Genevieve Ling and Korea’s Jiwoo Park.
Sherman is looking forward to extending her winning run after her victory at the Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Championship in Shanghai last month. The Thai believes the weather conditions will be favourable for her as she chases her second win of the season in the Lion City.
“The weather conditions in Singapore are similar to Thailand where I’m from. I’m familiar with playing under such hot and humid conditions. Hopefully, I can also play to my strengths, stick to my game plan and do well this week,” said Sherman.
Shi, currently ranked third on the CLPGA merit list, is also looking forward to the challenge despite playing at the Laguna National Golf Resort Club for the first time.
“It will be a new challenge as this is my first time playing here (Laguna National). I hope to put up a good challenge and do my best,” said Shi.
While Shi is making her maiden outing at Laguna National, Hong Kong China’s Huang Zhiying will be returning to this week’s host venue with renewed enthusiasm.
“This is my third visit to Singapore and I’m so excited to be back. I played at a Korean LPGA event in Singapore last December and stayed at Dusit Thani then. I took the opportunity to play a round here after the tournament. I like the course layout and it’s nice to be back competing here now.
“There are many water hazards and the greens are very small. Accuracy will be key for me this week,” said Huang.
The Trust Golf Singapore Ladies Masters is the fifth leg of the 2023 CLPGA season after stops in Tianjin, Beijing, Shanghai and Guangdong. The top 60 professional players (including ties) in the first two rounds will advance to the final round on Saturday.
The Singapore Ladies Masters is sponsored by Trust Golf, Marina Bay Sands, Criti Rora, CarTimes Group and adiddas and supported by key partner host venue Laguna National Golf Resort Club, Official Hotel Dusit Thani Laguna Singapore.
