LPGA returning to Shanghai

The prestigious LPGA Tour is returning to Shanghai, this time with motoring brand SAIC-GM Buick as its sponsor for the next five years.

This year’s tournament will take place at the Qizhong Garden Golf Club in Shanghai’s Minhang district from October 18-21, featuring a host of international stars, including China’s own golf darling Feng Shanshan.

Jointly sanctioned by the LPGA, the China Golf Association and the China LPGA Tour, the competition will be a 72-hole strokeplay event.

“We are delighted to be working with Buick and the LPGA on this prestigious new tournament. Women’s golf in China is in a very healthy state, largely thanks to Shanshan’s phenomenal achievements in the past few years,” said Grant Slack, senior vice-president and managing director of golf events at IMG, the tournament organizer.

“She has blazed a trail around the world for all of China’s up-and-coming players and is a wonderful ambassador for the women’s game globally.

“This event will be the perfect platform for both Buick, Shanshan, her fellow Chinese players and all of the LPGA’s star golfers to showcase their phenomenal talents.”

Sean Pyun, vice-president and managing director of LPGA Asia, pointed out that having a tour in Shanghai was an obvious thing to do considering the large fan base.

“Adding Shanghai as a stop in the LPGA really elevates the brand and makes all the players and fans happy,” said Pyun.

“We did not just wake up one day and decide to strategically target Asia. This is where the fans, viewers and our partners want to see us in.”

The first edition of the SAICGM Buick LPGA Tour in Shanghai will feature a prize purse of $2.1 million.