Along with the Ladies European Tour (LET), earlier this month the two tours were added to the prestigious rankings system, which now covers eight tours worldwide. With the recognition, CLPGA Tour members can now accrue performance points that will give them a true picture of where they stand competitively in world golf.
OrientGolf CEO T.K. Pen called it a great honor to be part of the Rolex World Rankings, adding the recognition reflected the fast growth of the women's professional game in Greater China. "Operating in the world's second largest economy, the inclusion of our tour will no doubt give many players chances to earn World Ranking points, a major step in the promotion of global women professional golfers and golf tournaments."
Thailand's Rungthiwa Pangjan goes into the 6,342-yard, par-72 Orient (Shanghai) Sports and Country Club as defending champion as the Bangkok native shot eight-under at last year's Classic for a wire-to-wire victory, her maiden CLPGA Tour win, one stroke ahead of compatriot Russamee Gulyanamitta and Chinese great Zhang Na.
The opening tournament, which features a US$50,000 purse, will be contested by a field of 120 players, including seven amateurs from throughout Asia.
