AGLF to Host 'Simone Asia Pacific Cup' After KLPGA Season Ends

December 18-24 Jakarta Event
Provisional Agreement Reached Amid Rising Member Complaints

The 'Simone Asia Pacific Cup' hosted by the Asia Golf Leaders Forum (AGLF) will be held this year from December 18 to 24 in Jakarta, Indonesia. Last year, when the AGLF tournament schedule overlapped with the Korea Ladies Professional Golf Association (KLPGA) Tour schedule, some members expressed dissatisfaction, leading both parties to agree to coordinate the schedule.

According to industry sources on the 1st, KLPGA and AGLF have agreed to hold the Simone Asia Pacific Cup in December going forward, unless there are special issues. The tournament schedule has been tentatively confirmed, and the venue contract is in the final stages.

Park Paul, Secretary General of AGLF, said, "Although AGLF is a separate incorporated association from KLPGA, we were aware that some KLPGA members had complaints regarding AGLF's founding purpose and operational methods," adding, "From now on, we will hold the competition in December after the KLPGA season ends to reduce misunderstandings."

Kim Jung-tae, Chairman of KLPGA, reportedly acknowledged at the first KLPGA board meeting held on the 31st of last month that the overlap of last year's Simone Asia Pacific Cup schedule with the KLPGA Tour was "problematic," and directly explained this to the board members.

AGLF is an incorporated association established in 2020 by Chairman Kim, who also serves as its president. The Simone Asia Pacific Cup hosted by AGLF features 44 players from 16 countries in the Asia-Pacific region competing in stroke play format to determine rankings.

Controversy over AGLF began last year when the Simone Asia Pacific Cup schedule overlapped with the KLPGA Tour's main event, the High1 Resort Ladies Open. Upon assuming the AGLF presidency, Chairman Kim stated that "AGLF is an organization that acts as a catalyst for KLPGA on the front lines," revealing the purpose of AGLF's establishment. However, the overlap of AGLF tournaments with KLPGA Tour events caused unintended damage to the KLPGA brand value, creating problems. Furthermore, the major Hanwha Classic was held the following week, making it practically impossible for KLPGA Tour players to participate in the Simone Asia Pacific Cup.

Kim Nam-jin, Secretary General of KLPGA, said, "There were questions from board members regarding AGLF at the first board meeting," and added, "Chairman Kim provided sufficient explanations to the board members on this matter."