This is the first stop of the LPGA’s Asian fall swing, a no-cut 72-hole stroke-play event with an 81-player field and a record $3.2 million purse for an LPGA event in Asia (winner’s share approximately $480,000 based on standard distribution). It is co-sanctioned with the China LPGA.
Venue and Course
Sheshan International Golf Club (also referred to as Sheshan Golf Club) in Songjiang District, Shanghai. This is the first time the Buick LPGA Shanghai is held here; prior editions (2018–2019, 2023–2025) were at Qizhong Garden Golf Club.
- Yardage/Par: Approximately 6,735 yards, par 72.
- Design: Nelson & Haworth (opened ~2004/2005). Mature parkland layout with tree-lined fairways, elevation changes through valleys, water hazards, bunkers, and a distinctive quarry section on the closing holes (notably the short par-4 16th and par-3 17th). It rewards accurate iron play and course management over pure length. Raised greens and strategic hazards are features. The course has hosted major men’s events historically (including multiple HSBC Champions) and is highly regarded in Asia.
- Conditions: Expected to be excellent (the club is known for high-quality conditioning). Early scoring indicates the course is playable and relatively soft or receptive under current weather, allowing low numbers (one bogey-free 64). Par-4s can play long; greens are noted as relatively small, emphasizing approach accuracy.
Schedule and Start Times
- Dates: Thursday, October 15 – Sunday, October 18, 2026.
- Tee times for Round 1 began in the morning local time (Shanghai is UTC+8). Featured groups included pairings such as Minjee Lee with Jenny Bae and others; Japanese players and top names were spread across the draw. lpga.com
- Broadcast (U.S. times, Golf Channel): Coverage windows typically 11 p.m.–4 a.m. ET the night before each local day (e.g., Wednesday night U.S. for Thursday’s Round 1 action). Live streaming available via Golf Channel platforms and LPGA sources. golfchannel.com
Weather Conditions
Shanghai mid-October conditions are mild to warm and mostly dry so far:
- Thursday, Oct 15 (Round 1): Mostly cloudy/overcast, highs around 74–75°F (23–24°C), lows ~65°F (18°C). Light SE winds (around 8–11 mph / 2 mph noted on-site at times), low precipitation chance (~0–5–17%), humidity moderate to higher. On-site reports around 70–71°F with light SE breeze.
- Friday–Sunday outlook: Warmer trend (highs into the upper 70s–80s°F / mid-20s to low 30s°C), continued cloudy periods with increasing chance of light drizzle or showers later in the weekend (higher precip probability by Sunday). Light to moderate SE/S winds. Overall favorable for scoring with limited disruption expected early.
Tournament HistoryEstablished as an LPGA event in 2018 (earlier Buick-branded events existed under other sanctions). Cancelled 2020–2022 due to COVID-19 restrictions; resumed 2023.
Past winners (all at previous venue except 2026):
- 2025: Jeeno Thitikul (Thailand) –24 (playoff over Minami Katsu after a dramatic comeback).
- 2024: Ruoning Yin (China) –25 (tournament record 263; 6-stroke win; first Chinese champion of the event).
- 2023: Angel Yin (USA) –14 (playoff).
- 2019: Danielle Kang (USA) –16.
- 2018: Danielle Kang (USA) –13.
Danielle Kang is the only multiple winner. Low rounds have included a 61. The event has featured strong international fields and growing Chinese participation/support.
Field, Player Matchups/Featured Groups, and Recent Form
81 players, including many top-ranked LPGA members, major winners, and ~15 China Golf Association players/sponsor invites. Top entries (pre-tournament rankings varied slightly by source) included Miyu Yamashita, Jeeno Thitikul (defending champion), Ruoning Yin, Sei Young Kim, Jin Hee Im, Hye-Jin Choi, Celine Boutier, Lauren Coughlin, and others. Japanese contingent includes Yamashita, Minami Katsu, Mao Saigo, Rio Takeda, Erika Hara, and more.
Key players and form notes:
- Jeeno Thitikul: Defending champion and former world No. 1; strong recent form; opened with 69 (T7). Dramatic 2025 playoff win here previously.
- Ruoning Yin: 2024 champion and major winner; home favorite with strong local support; opened solidly at –4. Recent team success (Asian Games) noted.
- Hye-Jin Choi: 12-time KLPGA winner with substantial LPGA earnings but seeking first LPGA title; exploded for the lead with a bogey-free 64.
- Miyu Yamashita: Recent winner (Aramco Korea Championship course-record performance mentioned in previews); strong contender.
- Others in form or notable: Minami Katsu (2025 runner-up), Celine Boutier, Sei Young Kim, Lauren Coughlin, Japanese and Korean depth, plus Chinese players like Ruixin Liu, Yijia Ren (solid early scores). Some top names (e.g., certain previews mentioned varying fields) had mixed or higher opening rounds. golfpost.com
Featured early groups highlighted returning players seeking form (e.g., Minjee Lee) and local interest pairings.
