SINGAPORE, SINGAPORE - APRIL 30: Lydia Ko of New Zealand hits her tee shot on the 18th hole during the second round of the HSBC Women's World Championship at Sentosa Golf Club on April 30, 2021 in Singapore. (Photo by Lionel Ng/Getty Images)
Cover Photo: HSBC Women’s World Championship

The 2022 edition of ‘Asia’s Major’ is greener than ever. Here's how the golf championship made a difference

Sustainability is arguably the buzzword of 2022, and the recently concluded 2022 HSBC Women’s World Championship certainly emphasised it. 

As Singapore wraps up the 2022 edition of ‘Asia’s Major’ at Sentosa Golf Club, we are reminded of all the ways in which the annual game has evolved and continued to include eco-conscious elements over the years.

For example, this year's tournament was held at the renowned Tanjong Course at Sentosa Golf Club, which was recently named the World’s Best Eco-Friendly Golf Facility for the second year in a row. There are many more ways in which the game has attempted and succeeded in being sustainable. 

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Above Photo: HSBC Women’s World Championship

HSBC, the title sponsor for the 14th edition of the showpiece event, ensured that its sustainability efforts began the moment players landed in Singapore.

Upon arriving in Singapore, players were whisked away by Lexus ES Hybrid courtesy cars, each of which were equipped with a powerful, self-charging electric motor. Electric cars are significantly more environmentally friendly because they eliminate exhaust and can reduce greenhouse gas emissions. 

Players were then brought to the newly-reopened Hilton Singapore Orchard, where they stayed for the duration of the tournament. Hilton Singapore Orchard is a sustainable hotel that has added many eco-friendly features to its property; think wooden and digital key cards that minimise plastic use, or filtered water from an on-site water filtration and re-bottling system. The hotel also catered for the golf event using local produce and recyclable paper boxes. 

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Players were also kept hydrated by F&N Ice Mountain, which used Tetra Pak and canned water in order to fully eliminate single-use plastic bottles. These were available across all hospitality suites, offices, media centres, tee boxes and player lounges.

If you paid attention, you would also have noticed that crowd favourites Lydia Ko and Caroline Masson were donning eco-friendly footwear by Ecco, another of the tournament’s sponsors. The Danish shoe brand has committed to ensuring that its entire supply chain has minimal environmental impact, achieved through reducing its use of energy and water. 

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Above Photo: HSBC Women’s World Championship

Of course, as with any major tournament, technology and entertainment equipment are essential. This year, Sony was the main sponsor that provided both. The company recently committed to “Road to Zero” and “Green Management 2025” initiatives and will be making major steps towards eliminating plastic packaging. It's also focusing on plant-based material development, reducing energy consumption and switching production to clean energy sources by 2050.

Not one to miss even the smallest detail, the HSBC Women’s World Championship also ensured that it wove sustainability into its celebrations. Pengwine, the official wine sponsor for the event, provided Chilean organic wine that was produced through a sustainable supply chain.

Read more: How to Enjoy Your Wine in a More Sustainable Way

VIP tournament guests were also able to enjoy luxury drink brands from around the world like The Glenrothes single malt, courtesy of event partner Edrington. Edrington focuses on sustainable practices throughout its entire whiskey-making process.

With all these efforts, as well as a state-of-the-art irrigation system, the development of a sustainable herb garden, the manual removal of weeds (instead of using pesticide), and even a bee colony within the confines of the golf course, this year’s tournament was certainly the most forward-looking and sustainable one yet. It bodes well for future editions of the tournament—and the future of the planet.

If you are interested in a replay of some of the world’s best female golf players in action, you can find out more here

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