Tavatanakit hopes to impress in Singapore as LPGA Tour returns to Asia

FILE PHOTO: Apr 4, 2021; Rancho Mirage, California, USA; Patty Tavatanakit putts on the 18th hole during the final round of the ANA Inspiration golf tournament at Rancho Mirage Country Club. Mandatory Credit: Kelvin Kuo-USA TODAY Sports

(Reuters) - World number one Ko Jin-young, two-times champion Inbee Park and holder Park Sung-hyun head the field at the HSBC Women's World Championship starting on Thursday as the LPGA Tour returns to Asia for the first time in 18 months amid the COVID-19 crisis.

The 13th edition of the tournament, which has been dubbed "Asia's major", will take place at Singapore's Sentosa Golf Club with 69 players from 18 nations, including 22 different major winners, competing for a share of $1.6 million on offer.