Kia Motors Korea Women's Open to Be Held as Scheduled with 'No Spectators'

Player Lee Da-hyun swinging during the 33rd Korea Women's Open tournament

[Asia Economy Reporter Kiho Sung] Kia Motors announced on the 29th that it will host the "Kia Motors 34th Korea Women's Open Golf Championship (hereinafter Korea Women's Open)" held from the 18th to the 21st of next month at Bears Best Cheongna Golf Club in Incheon, in collaboration with the Korea Golf Association.

First held in 1987, the Korea Women's Open is a prestigious golf tournament with a history of producing numerous players representing Korean women's golf. Kia Motors has been co-hosting the event since 2012.

Especially this year, due to concerns over the spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19), the tournament is planned to be held without spectators and will proceed under thorough quarantine measures in cooperation with related organizations.

With a total prize money of 1 billion KRW, this tournament will feature 144 players competing for the championship, including last year's winner Lee Da-yeon and past champions Kim Ji-hyun and Oh Ji-hyun.

The 34th Korea Women's Open will be played in a total of 4 rounds and 72 holes stroke play format. The winner will receive a prize of 250 million KRW and a Carnival vehicle.

A Kia Motors official said, "Thanks to the support of players and golf fans who hope to preserve the history and tradition of this prestigious tournament, we have made the final decision to hold the event as scheduled and at the planned venue, despite having no spectators." He added, "We will prioritize the safety of players and tournament officials, and together with the Korea Golf Association, we will establish perfect quarantine measures and strive to successfully conduct the tournament."