BROLLY BRIGADE: As the heavens opened yesterday, 'brollies' were common than birdies at the garden Course. -- ST PHOTO: ALBERT SIM

View more photos

Now, the bad news: The men's version, which features the top male golfers, is unlikely to feature here.

That US$5 million tournament (S$7 million), which has boasted the sport's top stars such as Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson, has been staged in Shanghai since 2005.

HSBC's head of sponsorship Giles Morgan said yesterday: 'I'd never say never. But it's certainly not in the plans for now. What we have now is wonderful representation of Asia in North and South Asia and the best men and women helping to promote and develop the sport. At the moment, we have total balance.'

Still, the news of the women stars' return will make local golf fans happy. With the world's top-15 women on parade, many of the spectators who forked out up to $60 to watch Ochoa and Co left the Tanah Merah Country Club happy.

Over 19,800 fans turned up through the course of the four-day tournament, with 8,345 heading for the Garden course yesterday.

Said Mark Chan, 30, self-employed: 'I must say that I got my money's worth.'

Housewife Josephine Teo, 58, added: 'It's phenomenal to see so many top golfers here. When you watch them live, you can see the flight of the ball, and just marvel at it.'

For seven-year-old May-ann Blanch, watching the best golfers inspired her.

The Annika Sorenstam fan, who picked up golf a year ago, said: 'The golfers are really good at what they do. It makes me feel like taking my golf club and playing now.'

While it is uncertain whether the prize money will increase from this year's US$2million, one thing is for sure - it will remain Asia's biggest women's tournament.

Morgan said: 'We certainly want to make sure that we have the richest purse in Asia.

'I think the players will want to return here. They've been looked after, the crowd have been very respectful and fair and they love this course.'

Several players agreed with him.

Said Swedish world No 2 Sorenstam, who finished second with a final score of nine-under 279 and also played in the 2006 Lexus Cup at the Garden course: 'I've been here before, and it's a great place to come. It's a great golf course and the fans are great.'

Added American world No5 Paula Creamer, who finished third on seven-under 281: 'It's a great golf course. The greens are very difficult.

'There're a lot of undulations. It takes a lot of creativity, you have to imagine out on these golf courses.'

However, Morgan also hinted that the Women's Champions tournament will not necessarily be a permanent fixture in Singapore.

'To always be in Shanghai and Singapore would not be smart. We'll keep our options open,' he said. 'There may be other markets that might look to hold one of the events. At the moment, it's not being discussed, but it might change.'

So fans will have to be content with the knowledge that, at the very least, Ochoa will be back to defend her title next year.

The Mexican said: 'I can only tell you good things about Singapore. We are really excited and really happy, and, for sure, we'll be back not only next year, but hopefully many more years.'

linxinyi@sph.com.sg