Venue & Event Details
Course: Qizhong Garden Golf Club, Minhang District, Shanghai
Par/Yardage: Par 72, 6,703 yards
Format: 72-hole stroke play, no cut
Purse: $2.2 million; Winner’s share $330,000
Weather Forecast (Shanghai, China)
Friday–Sunday: Highs 82–85°F (28–29°C), humid
Wind: 8–12 mph, gusts up to 20 mph
Impact: Heat stress and patchy greens (damaged by summer heat) have been noted by players. Expect putting to be tricky, rewarding those with patience and strong iron play.
Injury/Field Notes
Nelly Korda (World No. 2): Out due to lingering injury setbacks.
Ruoning Yin (Defending Champion): Healthy, looking to repeat after her record -25 win in 2024.
No major mid-week withdrawals reported among top contenders.
Player Matchups
Atthaya Thitikul (THA, World No. 1): Opened with -7, among leaders; elite iron play.
Minjee Lee (AUS, World No. 4): -7 in Round 1, thrives on bentgrass greens.
Ruoning Yin (CHN, Defending Champion): -1 after Round 1, but dangerous on home soil.
Minami Katsu (JPN): Surprised with -13 through two rounds, current leader.
Ina Yoon (KOR): -11, strong GIR stats.
Jenny Bae (USA): -10, rookie standout.
Key Battle: Thitikul vs. Lee vs. Katsu – elite consistency vs. hot hand vs. proven major winner.
Recent Form
Thitikul: Two wins this season, regained World No. 1.
Lee: Won KPMG Women’s PGA earlier in 2025.
Yin: Struggled mid-season but thrives in Asia swing.
Katsu: Breakout performance, 61 in Round 2.
Series History
Event debuted in 2018 (Danielle Kang won first two editions).
2023: Angel Yin defeated Lilia Vu in playoff.
2024: Ruoning Yin set tournament record at -25.
Chinese players have won 2 of last 3 editions.
Betting Trends
Favorites perform well here: 3 of 6 winners were pre-tournament top-5 picks.
Asian players dominate: 4 of 6 winners from Asia.
Winning score: Typically -18 to -25; expect closer to -20 this year with tougher greens.
Hot rookies: Jenny Bae and Ina Yoon trending as dark horses.
The Buick LPGA Shanghai 2025 is shaping up as a battle between established stars and breakout names. With Thitikul and Lee steady, Yin lurking, and Katsu surging, the weekend promises fireworks. Expect birdie runs, volatile leaderboards, and a winning score near -20.
