LPGA Maybank Championship Preview: Field, betting odds, tee times and how to watch

The Maybank Championship takes place at Kuala Lumpur Golf and Country Club

The LPGA Tour remains in Asia for the latest event on the schedule as the second edition of the Maybank Championship takes place in Malaysia.

China and South Korea have been host to the previous two events on tour, this week it’s on to Malaysia for the Maybank Championship. Toto Japan Classic takes place in the land of the rising sun the following week as the LPGA schedule continues to expand worldwide.

A $3m prize fund is on offer in Malaysia this week, representing one of the biggest purses on the LPGA Tour outside the five major championships. Of course, this means a stacked field. Nelly Korda was expected to take part, yet the finest player in the women’s game announced that she would miss the tournaments in South Korea and Malaysia due to a neck injury she suffered during practice.

While Korda misses out, a chance of a lifetime has been granted to Malaysia’s leading amateur, Mirabel Ting, who has been awarded a sponsors’ invite to the event in her home country. She will be joined by Ashley Lau, the nation’s top-ranked female professional and Maybank’s ASEAN ambassador, Kelly Tan.

With just four events left before the CME Group Tour Championship, chances are running out for players to secure the points needed to secure a top 60 finish and thus a place in the final event of the season.

Last year, Olympic star Celine Boutier produced a thrilling comeback to claim the inaugural Maybank Championship title, winning for the fourth time in 2023. The Frenchwomen prevailed over Atthaya Thitikul in a marathon nine-hole playoff.

Another stunning finish in Kuala Lumpur will certainly please the home crowd, no doubt about that.

Where is the Maybank Championship played?

Kuala Lumpur Golf and Country Club (KLGCC) will once again host the Maybank Championship this year, with the West Course being the chosen course used for the tournament.

In 2022, the course was recognised as the best in Malaysia on the “Top 100 Golf Courses in Asia” list, signifying that it is worthy of hosting the event. KLGCC hosted the Malaysian Open on the European Tour several times, seeing winners such as Noh Seung-yul, Matteo Manassero and Louis Oosthuizen prevail at the venue.

The course will pose a significant test for the field this week, especially considering water comes into play on no fewer than 13 holes throughout the layout.

Coming down the stretch, the short, 332-yard par-4 16^th offers the greatest risk-reward for the players. Indeed, if playing the forward tees, a greater percentage of the field will aim to drive the green, although accuracy will be at a premium due to water lining the left side of the hole and bunkers on the right side of the fairway.

Who is in the field for the Maybank Championship?

The reduced field of 78 players features some of the biggest names in the game, despite Korda’s absence through injury.

Lydia Ko, Olympic gold medallist and AIG Women’s Open winner, will lead the way in place of Korda, while defending champion Boutier will be looking to retain the title she won a year ago.

World No. 2 Lilia Vu, 2024 Amundi Evian Championship winner Ayaka Furue and former World No. 1 Ruoning Yin are also in the field along with a host of major champions.

These include Hannah Green, Amy Yang, Brooke Henderson and Yuka Saso, indicating how strong the field is this week.

The full list of entries can be found here.

What is the format of the Maybank Championship?

The format of the Maybank Championship is a standard strokeplay event played over 72 holes, with the event having no cut after 36 holes (two rounds). The player with the lowest score over four rounds will win the tournament.

Who will win the Maybank Championship?

Selected odds for the Maybank Championship will appear here when available.

How much will the winner of the Maybank Championship receive?

The $3m prize fund on offer this week is one of the biggest outside the major championships, with the winner taking home a cheque for $450k alongside 500 points in the race to the CME Globe.

Race to the CME Globe rankings

Standings as of 17/10/2024

How to watch the Maybank Championship?

Viewers in the UK can watch the Maybank Championship on Sky Sports Golf. All times BST

Thursday, 24 October: Sky Sports Golf, 19.00
Friday, 25 October: Sky Sports Golf, 19.00
Saturday, 26 October: Sky Sports Golf, 19.00
Sunday, 27 October: Sky Sports Golf, 19.00

Viewers in the US can watch all four days of action on the Golf Channel. All times EDT

Thursday, 24 October: Golf Channel, 18.30
Friday, 25 October: Golf Channel, 18.30
Saturday, 26 October: Golf Channel, 18.30
Sunday, 27 October: Golf Channel. 18.30

Maybank Championship: Tee times and groupings

Tee times and groupings for the event will appear here once announced.

About the Author

Ross Kilvington – Contributing Golf News Writer

Ross Kilvington is a freelance writer from Scotland who currently writes previews for Today’s Golfer, covering events on the DP World, PGA, and LPGA tours along with the LIV Golf Series.

Ross holds a passionate interest in golf and tries to play as often as possible, although having two daughters under the age of 6 means his quest to break 80 will have to wait a little longer.

Despite first picking up a club aged 11, highlights are few and far between on the golf course.

An Eagle on the par-4 16th at Kinghorn is one that stands out (it doesn’t matter that it was only 290 yards).