KPGA Tour in Crisis, Breaking Through with the System

Number of Tournaments Reduced to 20 This Year, Down by 2 from Last Year
New Pace of Play Regulations Announced for Speeding Up
Weather Observation System Introduced to Prioritize Safety
Expanded Exchange with Overseas Tours to Strengthen Competitiveness

The Korea Professional Golfers' Association (KPGA) Tour is taking on the challenge of overcoming its crisis with a new approach. By implementing changes throughout the system, it plans to inject new vitality into the tour. The number of KPGA Tour events this year is 20, down by two from 22 last year. This is the lowest number since 17 events in 2021. However, KPGA has focused on strengthening substance over size to directly confront the crisis. Various changes attempted for the 2025 KPGA Tour season to boost popularity are proof of this.

The KPGA Tour will implement various system changes starting this year to boost the popularity of men's golf in Korea. Hyundai Motor Company·Kia

The most noticeable change is the revision of the Pace of Play regulations. In line with the global trend of 'speeding up,' a new standard for managing Excessive Shot Time (EST) has been introduced. Players are allowed up to 70 seconds for the first stroke and 60 seconds for subsequent strokes. Generally, the allowed time per stroke is 40 seconds, with an additional 10 seconds granted to the first player in specific situations such as par-3 tee shots, green approaches, chip shots, and putts.

Previously, penalties could only be imposed if the entire group exceeded the allotted time. This allowed slow players to avoid penalties if their playing partners were fast. However, with the introduction of EST, slow players are individually monitored and will receive immediate warnings or penalties through a 'bad time' judgment if they exceed the time limit. Last year, the average KPGA round time was 4 hours and 35 minutes, and this year’s goal is to reduce it by 10 minutes to 4 hours and 25 minutes.

The KPGA Tour provides single-seat golf carts to the competition committee to speed up the pace of play. KPGA

The operation of matches will also be streamlined. The tournament committee will introduce eight single-seat golf carts called 'Single' for use. These carts can be driven on the fairway, allowing officials to move quickly while avoiding galleries. This enables them to reach players faster and minimize delays during play.

Enhancing the capabilities of officials is also a key task. Through participation in international conferences and hosting seminars, various programs covering golf rules education, course setting, and safety management will be conducted. With an increasing number of KPGA Tour players moving overseas, strengthening the ability to operate matches according to international standards is deemed essential.

Weather management will become more systematic. KPGA will collaborate with professional meteorological companies to fully implement a weather observation system. This will allow preemptive responses to weather-related variables such as delays, suspensions, and round cancellations, and facilitate smooth scheduling coordination with sponsors and broadcasters. It is also expected to contribute to the safety of players and galleries.

Kim Dae-hyun will return to the KPGA Tour this year with a top 20 career earnings ranking qualification. KPGA

The basic framework of the tour will also be refined. Since last year, KPGA has improved player treatment by raising the total prize money standards for each tournament and introducing a minimum prize money system. Starting this year, a new category will be operated that grants seeds to the top 20 players in the KPGA Tour’s all-time prize money rankings. This can be used only once, and the seed is valid for one year. The first beneficiary is the long hitter Kim Dae-hyun.

Exchange with overseas tours will also be expanded. KPGA will increase opportunities for its players to advance overseas through cooperation with the PGA Tour and the DP World Tour. The player ranked first in Genesis Points will receive direct entry to the final stage of the PGA Tour Qualifying (Q) School and a one-year DP World Tour seed. Players ranked 1st to 2nd will receive entry to the Genesis Scottish Open, and those ranked 2nd to 3rd will be granted DP World Tour seeds. Opportunities to participate in the Asian Tour International Series will also be provided. This is expected to serve as a practical motivation for top-ranked players.

The KPGA Tour offers various overseas advancement opportunities to players ranked high in the Genesis Points. KPGA

Efforts to create a fan-friendly environment will proceed simultaneously. KPGA will directly operate 4 to 5 tournaments on a trial basis and establish a ticket sales system. By analyzing gallery tendencies, customer data will be collected and used to build a foundation for targeted marketing. On-site participation elements such as events and giveaways will also be strengthened.

In the future, an online ticket issuance system linked with portal sites and a season ticket system will be introduced. A dedicated team will be formed to produce related merchandise such as clothing and hats for souvenir sales. The operation of social media (SNS) channels will also be expanded to continuously showcase the appeal of KPGA players through content on platforms like YouTube.