Exclusive: HSBC’s Morgan Hopes Sponsorship Renewal will Continue to Grow Women’s Golf in Asia

By Ismail Uddin

Giles Morgan, Head of Sponsorship at HSBC, is hoping the LPGA’s HSBC Women’s Champions in Singapore will help grow the game in the continent.

HSBC renewed their title sponsorship of HSBC Champions on Monday and a big part of the organisation’s decision to partner with the golf tournament was to help nurture Asian player into the game.

“As a global financial services organisation, we pride ourselves on opening up a world of opportunities for people and the HSBC Women’s Champions has proved to be the perfect stage for young Asian golfers to take their place amongst the world’s elite,” Morgan said.

“One of the key reasons the HSBC Women’s Champions came to Singapore was because we saw the stars rising in the East and it’s been truly inspiring to see this wonderful generation of Asian players emerging. 

“Our ambition is to grow the game at all levels so it makes absolute sense for us to support women’s golf which has been on an upwards trajectory for a number of years, particularly in Asia. However, it’s important to remember that elite level golf simply wouldn’t exist without supporting youth development and this is exactly why we invest heavily in grassroots golf programmes across Asia. 

“The latest evidence of this came just weeks ago when sixteen-year-old amateur Jing Yan took part in the Ricoh Women’s British Open at Royal Liverpool, becoming the youngest Chinese female golfer to ever play in a major tournament. Yan was one of only four amateurs to make the cut and shot a stunning second round score of 69.  She has been a member of the China national team since she was 12 and is a graduate of the HSBC China Junior Golf Program – she also won the HSBC Youth Golf Challenge in Singapore in 2008. “