Singapore’s Koh Sock Hwee and Aloysa Atienza have both hailed the creation of the Hana Financial Group Singapore Women’s Open as an important and positive development for women’s golf in the country.
Koh, the highest-ranked Singaporean on the Women’s World Golf Rankings, is relishing the prospect of teeing off in her first-ever national Open in front of the passionate home crowd at the Tanah Merah Country Club from Dec 9-11.
“It’s definitely an honour to play in our very own national women’s open because I believe it’s the first time we ever have one. It will definitely open the doors to more young female golfers picking up the sport because they now have a goal to work towards – to play in their own national open,” said Koh.
On setting targets and goals for the Hana Financial Group Singapore Women’s Open, which will also serve as curtain-raiser of the Korea Ladies Professional Golf Association (KLPGA) Tour’s 2023 season, Koh said: “Being a KLPGA event, it is going to be a strong field and I can’t wait to test my skills among them. The most immediate goal would be to make the cut, and then get my best-ever finish at a KLPGA event.”
Atienza, 24, the reigning SEA Games Individual Silver Medallist, has also welcomed the timely staging of the national women’s Open.
“The last few years, we’ve had an LPGA Tour event here and there’s always a lot of the junior girls coming down to watch the players. Having the SWO gives these girls another event to watch and be inspired, rather than just seeing them on TV,” said Atienza.
“It’s a different experience. I’m fortunate to have earned my spot this year and I’m sure it will also drive the top female golfers in Singapore to get better in order to get a spot in future editions.”
Inside the ropes, Atienza is not afraid of setting a lofty ambition as she sets her sights on making the cut and finishing as high as possible on the leaderboard.
“Getting a rare start on the KLPGA Tour as an amateur is a big opportunity. Playing it on home soil makes it even more exciting because my friends and family can come down to watch me play.
“I hope that I don’t get too nervous and just play my game. Making the cut would be a small win for me, but I just want to see how high up the leaderboard I can climb for the week,” said Atienza, who is ranked number 330 on the World Amateur Golf Ranking (WAGR).
Tan Chong Huat, President of SGA has meanwhile, called on the local players to capitalise on the opportunity to showcase their talent at the S$1.1 million tournament. He believes the players’ local knowledge of the Tanah Merah Country Club will be one of their main strengths.
“It is a huge opportunity for the Singaporean players as they are all familiar with the TMCC Tampines course, having trained and competed there in amateur events,” said Tan.
“More importantly, they will gain tremendous experience from competing at a major event with the best players in the world.
“It is a milestone event for women’s golf in Singapore as we will have our top Singaporean professional and amateur golfers competing with the top ladies professionals in the world.”
“Apart from the elite players, this event will also generate the interest of the wider community and boost the development of golf in Singapore.”
Tickets for the inaugural Hana Financial Group Singapore Women’s Open are now available for purchase online via ticketmaster.sg or at the gate. Prices start at S$20 for single day entry and S$50 for the 3-day season pass. Admission is free for children aged 6 to 12 years old with every paying adult.