SINGAPORE - Reigning champion Jang Ha Na confirmed on Monday (Nov 21) that she will defend her title at next year's HSBC Women's Champions.
The US$1.5 million (S$2.14 million) tournament will be held for the first time on the newly-renovated New Tanjong Course at the Sentosa Golf Club.
It had previously been held at Tanah Merah Country Club's Garden Course (2008-2012) before moving to SGC's Serapong Course (2013-2016).
The 10th edition of the HSBC event will be from March 2-5, 2017.
The 24-year-old Jang, who won three LPGA Tour titles this season, including her triumph in Singapore and is ranked ninth in the world, said: "I can't wait to get back to Singapore where I have such special memories from this year's tournament.
"It was such a big title to win and amazing to have my name on the trophy alongside so many great champions and I can't wait to return as the defending champion.
"Last year we could see all the hard work the Sentosa Golf Club team were putting into the renovations on The New Tanjong course and from what I hear, they have obviously paid off. The conditions in Singapore suit me very well and I am hoping The New Tanjong course will suit my game just as much as The Serapong did."
SGC president Low Teo Ping noted: "It will be intriguing to see how the world's best women take on the new challenges of this course and we look forward to welcoming them back in a few months' time."
Jang's 19-under score of 269 was a tournament record at Serapong. She become the third South Korean after Shin Ji Yai (2009) and Park In Bee (2015) to win the HSBC event and famously celebrated with a famous Beyonce-inspired dance on the 18th green.
HSBC global head of sponsorship & events Giles Morgan said: "The way Jang Ha Na's amazing performance and personality stole the show at this year's event was very special.
"Sentosa Golf Club has now presented our tournament with a wonderful new stage - The New Tanjong - on which the world's best women golfers will showcase their talents next year. Along with the change of course, we have seized the opportunity to change and enhance the spectator experience and hope players and spectators alike will enjoy a fresh feel and experience."
For more information, go online at hsbcgolf.com/womens or facebook.com/hsbcwomenschampions.
