LPGA Tour Kicks Off Five-Tournament Series in Asia

News Summary

The LPGA Tour has officially launched a thrilling five-tournament series in Asia, starting with the Buick LPGA Shanghai at Qizhong Garden Golf Club. The tournament features fierce competition with notable players including Jeeno Thitikul and Minjee Lee. This year’s prize purse has increased to $2.2 million, adding excitement for competitors. With challenging weather conditions and competitive performances, this event is set to be a memorable one in the world of women’s golf.

LPGA Tour Takes Asia by Storm with Buick LPGA Shanghai

The suspense is palpable as the LPGA Tour has officially kicked off a thrilling five-tournament series in Asia. The host of the curtain-raiser is none other than the generous Buick LPGA Shanghai, taking place at the scenic Qizhong Garden Golf Club. This beautiful locale sets the stage in one of the world’s most bustling cities, known for its rich culture and towering skyscrapers.

Five Events Leading to the Race to CME Globe

This tournament is just the beginning, paving the way for even more excitement as it is the first of five LPGA events scheduled throughout Asia. Golf fans are already buzzing with anticipation leading up to November’s Race to CME Globe, where the final showdown will take place back in the United States.

Headliners and Competition Heats Up

Among the outstanding competitors at the cabin of golf talent, fans have their eyes on the world number one, Jeeno Thitikul, and Olympic champion Minjee Lee. The competition is fierce, especially as Japan’s own Minami Katsu dazzled everyone with a shimmering performance, leading the pack by two strokes thanks to an eye-popping 11-under 61 during the halfway point.

Additional players such as Ina Yoon, Lindy Duncan, and Jenny Bae are hot on her heels, ready to challenge for the top spots as the tournament progresses.

A Generous Prize Purse Awaits

This year, the prize purse has taken an exciting leap, totaling $2.2 million, an increase from the previous year’s $2.1 million. Golfers are vying for a massive $330,000 for first place and over $207,000 for the runner-up. The Buick LPGA Shanghai tournament has also marked its fifth edition with the first increase in its overall prize purse, making it even more enticing for competitors.

Prize money is also generously allocated for various placements, with a structured breakdown that includes:

  • 1st: $330,000
  • 2nd: $207,516
  • 3rd: $150,538
  • 4th: $116,453
  • Positions continuing down to 65th, ranging from $5,681 to $6,817

Championship History and Weather Challenges

Last year’s champion, Ruoning Yin, earned an impressive 25-under-par total, setting a high standard for this year’s contenders. As players navigate the challenging course, they must also contend with extreme heat. Over the past few weeks, the area faced an alarming 23 days above 95 degrees, raising concerns about course conditions. Some greens already appear baked and uneven, adding a twist to the gameplay.

Despite the scorching weather, the scorecards show promising signs with numerous golfers finishing under par during the early rounds. A total of fifty-seven players completed the second round under par, showcasing the high level of competition being witnessed.

Player Performances Worth Mentioning

Among the standout performers, Minjee Lee’s impressive score of 8-under after two days puts her tied for eighth position; fans eagerly watch her rise in rankings. However, on a cautionary note, world number two Nelly Korda will not be competing due to injuries, which adds another layer of unpredictability to the tournament.

Eyes on the Prize

The excitement at the Buick LPGA Shanghai is only set to grow as players gear up to tackle the unique challenges ahead. With a storied championship history, increased prize money, and amounting pressure due to intense weather, this tournament is shaping up to be one for the ages!

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