79 Foreign Players Challenge IQT, Record High Number to Compete in KLPGA

79 players gathered. This is the highest number ever.

Kusuma Mitchai from Thailand is smiling brightly while holding the trophy after winning the KLPGA IQT last year.
[Photo by KLPGA]

The Korean Ladies Professional Golf Association (KLPGA) Tour International Qualifying Tournament (IQT) has attracted the most foreign players to date. The KLPGA Tour announced on the 8th that 79 players will participate in the IQT, which will be held for four days starting from the 13th at the Phoenix Gold Golf & Country Club in Thailand. The winner will receive a KLPGA Tour card for next year.

This tournament is open to overseas nationals aged 18 or older who hold overseas tour licenses or have professional or amateur experience on professional tours within the last five years. When the tournament was first held in 2015, only 6 players participated. Last year, the number increased to 50, and this year, marking the 8th edition, nearly 80 foreign players are dreaming of the "Korean Dream." Participants come from 11 different countries.

Thai players make up the largest group with 42 participants. There were also 20 Japanese players. Applicants come not only from Asian countries such as the Philippines, China, India, Hong Kong, Taiwan, and Malaysia but also from the United States, Canada, and Guatemala. Ayana Kon, who has already proven her skills by winning on the KLPGA Jump (3rd tier) Tour, and Amy Koga (both from Japan), who placed 6th in last year's IQT, are considered favorites to win. More detailed information about the IQT is available on the official website.