As the sun sets on the thrilling HSBC Women’s World Championship, the climactic showdown is set for the grand finale on Sunday. This hotly contested, no-cut event has seen some of golf’s finest athletes battling their way through a roller coaster of brilliant shots, surprising setbacks, and unexpected withdrawals. Notably, Angel Yin was forced to bow out due to illness. Yet, as the classic adage says, “the show must go on,” and the players are champing at the bit to claim their share of the tantalizing $2.4 million prize pool and gather crucial Race to the CME Globe points. The winner’s prize? A cool $360,000.
As the tournament reaches its crescendo, Lydia Ko has etched out a slender lead, following a stellar 4-under 69 performance on Saturday, leaving her 10-under after three rounds. She holds a mere one-stroke lead over Charley Hull. Ko demonstrated her prowess in the third round, racking up seven birdies, which she balanced with three bogeys to clinch the 54-hole lead. On the other hand, Hull, with a remarkable bogey-free 68, ascended the leaderboard. Not far off the pace is Jeeno Thitikul, whose 66 put her in a solitary third spot.
Ko, fresh off her triple-title victory last year, is already lighting up this season. Hull, however, is primed for a triumph, having waited almost three years since her last LPGA Tour victory in 2022. Hull did experience the sweet taste of victory in the Aramco Team Series-Riyadh on the Ladies European Tour last year, but her sights are now firmly set on reclaiming her spot in the LPGA winner’s circle.
The action-packed final round begins at 7:30 am local time on Sunday, with Moriya Jutanugarn, Jennifer Kupcho, and Andrea Lee kicking off from the first hole. A mere five minutes later, Mi Hyang Lee, Leona Maguire, and Caroline Masson will commence their round on hole 10. The leaders’ group, featuring Ko, Hull, and Thitikul, will hit the green at 9:30 am from the first hole. The last pair to join the fray will be Yuna Nishimura and Danielle Kang, teeing off from the tenth hole at 9:35 am.
As the event gears up for its climax, questions hang in the air: Who will hoist the prestigious HSBC Women’s World Championship trophy? If you’re not in the stands at the Tanjong Course in Sentosa Golf Club, fear not. The final round coverage will be available on the Golf Channel and Peacock, according to NBC Sports. For US viewers, the action begins at 9:30 PM (EST) on March 1, stretching past midnight till 2:30 AM on March 2. Streaming enthusiasts can catch all the drama live on NBC’s official website.
Another element to look out for is the weather. The forecast predicts cloudy skies with scattered thunderstorms in the morning, occasional rain, and more thunderstorms later in the afternoon. The temperature will hover around 31°C, but with a RealFeel of 36°C, and a high humidity level of 70%. Winds will be moderate at 11 km/h from the northeast. These challenging conditions may not be ideal for golf, but they will undoubtedly test the mettle of the competitors. Who will weather the storm and emerge victorious? Share your predictions in the comments section below!
