The HSBC Women's World Championship, without a doubt, is one of the most highly anticipated tournaments within Southeast Asia every year. Just ask any of the world’s top LPGA players and golf enthusiasts around the region and you’ll be reciprocated with crystal-clear affinity for the championship, coupled with excitement – so much so it’s often fondly referred to as ‘Asia’s Major’.

With the world’s top 20 players coming together for its 15th edition earlier this month at the prestigious Sentosa Golf Club’s picturesque yet challenging Tanjong course, what’s not to be excited about?

As a former competitive golfer who spent most my life teeing it up at multiple events each year and now putting my experience into words as a journalist, I couldn’t have asked for a better event than the HSBC Women’s World Championship to experience my very first LPGA tournament as a member of the media.

Nelly Korda during a press conference at the media centre.

From the moment I walked into the media centre, located on the third floor of the clubhouse, and was greeted by the press conference panel decorated with the iconic HSBC logo, I knew I was in for something special. Seated at the very front, surrounded by familiar faces and fellow journalists, I was instantly filled with palpable excitement – and the tournament hadn’t even started yet!
Like any fan of the sport, I had been consumed with giddying zeal by the idea of four days of superb golf, and this year’s edition certainly did not disappoint. The cherry on top was the fan village, which absolutely blew me away.

Despite its two-year hiatus caused by the pandemic, the HSBC Women’s World Championship truly came back bigger and better.

From the Par & Bar lounge that served cool cocktails and entertainment, to fun activities like Putt The Skyline and the HSBC Experience Centre where visitors could immerse themselves into the alternate reality of the Metaverse through the HSBC Metaverse Golf Challenge, it was a hive of fun activities and relaxation that catered to people of all ages.

Putt The Skyline activity open for all ages at the fan village.

Though there were rain delays throughout the week, that didn’t stop the visitors from enjoying some lip-smacking food and drinks at the venue. Offering a large variety of options like burgers, coffee, light snacks, and more, guests were well and truly spoilt for choice.

After relishing all that fun and excitement at the fan village, it was then time for me to switch gears and get to work.

The experience of being a part of the HSBC Women's World Championship was nothing short of surreal. I had always looked up to the top players in the field, admiring their skill and dedication from afar. But now, as a member of the media, I had the incredible opportunity to interact with them on a whole new level.

To be a few feet away from the players during the press conferences, listening to them answering questions about their game, and also having the chance to shoot them questions of my own, was an eye-opening experience.

It was interesting to see the way they swapped their steely, focused demeanor out on the golf course with a more relaxed version of themselves when responding to questions from the media, revealing their deep-rooted passion for the sport and personality off the fairways.

Champion Jin Young Ko posing for a photo after successfully defending her title. 

One of the most impressive aspects of the tournament was the flawless condition of the Tanjong course, despite the heavy rainfall that persisted throughout the event. The team behind the tournament managed to keep the course playable all four rounds – in the face of challenging weather conditions – and that’s no mean feat.

Being up close and personal with the HSBC Women's World Championship was indeed a revelation. It made me realise just how much hard work and dedication goes into making an event of this scale a success, from the management team to the staff working behind the scenes. It was clear that every minute detail had been carefully thought out and executed to its fullest potential, and that includes the media facilities as well as the activation areas for fans – ultimately creating an extraordinary experience for everyone.

General view of the 18th green of Sentosa's Golf Club's Tanjong Course as Jin Young Ko lined up her putt.

As someone who is considered a rookie in the media industry, I can honestly say that I have acquired a new-found appreciation for the collective backbone of tournaments of this magnitude, whose relentless effort and commitment to all-round quality is beyond inspiring.

And I, for one, am deeply grateful to have witnessed it all firsthand.