Tan and Chen Set for HSBC Women’s World Championship

Singapore: Shannon Tan has been awarded an invitation to play in the 2026 HSBC Women’s World Championship at Sentosa Golf Club from February 26 to March 1, alongside nine of the world’s top 10 players and fellow-Singaporean Chen Xingtong, winner of the local qualifying tournament.

With the 18th edition of the HSBC Women’s World Championship just weeks away, HSBC recently renewed its long-term title partnership with IMG, for the tournament through to 2030. This unwavering commitment to supporting women’s golf makes HSBC among the longest serving and most valued sponsors on the LPGA.

While Tan and Chen were much inspired as youngsters by watching the world’s best women compete live at the HSBC Women’s World Championship, they also benefited from playing opportunities born from HSBC’s aim to create a legacy through sponsorship of youth development and grassroots initiatives to underpin their flagship events.

Over the years, HSBC has partnered with the Singapore Golf Association (SGA) to support growing golf participation in the country at all levels, and nurturing home talent through the HSBC Youth Golf Challenge (HYGC), in partnership with the SGA, of which Tan and Chen are appreciative graduates. 

Prior to turning pro, Tan was a member of the 2023 Asia-Pacific Golf Confederation team that took on the European Golf Association in the Solheim Cup-style Patsy Hankins Trophy in Spain, while Chen gained international headlines last year when she became the first Singaporean to reach the final of the US Junior Girls Championship. Next week, she’ll be among the favourites at the eighth Women’s Amateur Asia-Pacific at New Zealand’s Royal Wellington Golf Club.

Kee Joo Wong, CEO of HSBC Singapore: “It’s incredibly exciting to see Singaporean golf making its mark on the world stage, especially with two of our own talents competing in the HSBC Women’s World Championship. Their achievements show just how much skill and passion is being developed right here in Singapore.

“At HSBC, we’re proud to help open doors for women in sport and play a part in supporting the development of golf locally. We can’t wait to welcome fans from all over the globe to Sentosa Golf Club and celebrate another unforgettable chapter of ‘Asia’s Major’ together.”

Tan is the first Singaporean to battle her way through Ladies European Tour Qualifying School, claiming her card for the 2024 season. On turning professional, she immediately impressed. On what was her LET professional debut, she won the Magical Kenya Ladies Open, before going on to represent Singapore in the Olympics and finishing her rookie year ranked sixth on the LET Order of Merit. 

Tan, aged 21, continued her meteoric progress in 2025, claiming two further LET titles, along with seven top-10 finishes, and ended the year crowned the number one ranked player on the LET Order of Merit.

Tan, who finished tied 34th on her debut at the 2025 HSBC Women’s World Championship, said: “I am so grateful to HSBC to receive an invite again. I feel like I learnt so much playing at last year’s event, from practicing and competing alongside so many of the world’s best players to playing in front of my home fans in such a major event.

“I definitely think I will feel more comfortable and confident when I stand on the first tee this year, even alongside so many great players that I have grown up admiring. Whatever happens, I will relish every second of this amazing experience.” 

The 17-year-old Chen qualified for a third consecutive time after carding a five-under-par 67 in the final round of the annual national qualifying event for the HSBC Women’s World Championship last month.

A multiple winner of the HSBC-sponsored SGA Youth Golf Challenge, Chen said: “HSBC has played a big part in my golfing development and I take a lot of confidence from managing to win my spot in the field again. This will be my third time playing in the HSBC Women’s World Championship and, each day I get to stand amongst the world’s best players and compete on the same stage as them, I believe it will take me closer to my dream of being a professional golfer. 

“I am so grateful to HSBC for this opportunity and my aim this year will be to learn from every moment, enjoy every second and hopefully improve on my finish of last year. I can’t wait!”

HSBC has been the title sponsor of the HSBC Women’s World Championship since its inception in 2008 and recently renewed its agreement for another five years, increasing both the prize money purse to US$3 million and the field to 72 players. Of the event’s 17 past editions, 15 have been won by Major champions. The 2025 field featured players from 22 nationalities, including 19 Major champions and nine of the world’s top 10.

The 72-hole stroke play championship will once again take place on the award-winning Tanjong Course at Sentosa Golf Club, hosting the event for the 12th time.