First in the Equipment Industry to Support Future Golf Stars
Backing Both Tour Professionals and Junior Golfers
Hosting Tournaments, Providing Equipment and Fitting Support, and Special Educational Lectures
Seokgyo Sangsa, the exclusive distributor of Bridgestone Golf in Korea, has shown exceptional dedication to fostering junior golfers.
From a time when supporting young golf prospects was uncommon to the present day, the company has consistently shown interest in junior sponsorship and development. It has contributed to nurturing the future of Korean golf. Until 1998, when Pak Se-ri won on the LPGA Tour, golf in Korea was often viewed negatively. The sport was criticized as being "expensive" and having a "high barrier to entry." However, after Pak Se-ri's victory, a golf boom swept Korea, and the so-called "Se-ri Kids" such as Shin Ji-ae, Choi Na-yeon, and Park In-bee emerged. From this period, golf equipment brands also began to focus on junior development.
Seokgyo Sangsa was the first in the golf equipment industry to begin supporting young prospects. Since its founding in 1985, the company has held the belief that "the company can only grow if the stature of Korean golf rises." It has supported both tour professionals and junior players.
Sponsoring junior equipment was only the beginning. To encourage greater interest in nurturing young talent within the golf industry, Seokgyo Sangsa published a junior golf classroom book. Produced every two to three months, it was distributed to business partners and industry professionals.
Seokgyo Sangsa has both sponsored and hosted junior tournaments. Notable examples include the Korea Golf Association (KGA) International Golf Cup, the Green Cup, the Sports Chosun Cup, the Myongji University President's Cup, and the TourStage Cup. Participants received items such as caps, T-shirts, and balls. Seokgyo Sangsa also supported the golf teams at Naksaeng High School, Kyunggi High School, and Haeseong High School with equipment and fitting education. Through a partnership agreement with the Ipo High School golf team, the company provided special lectures and support for advanced systems.
Currently, players such as Park Minji, Park Gyeol, Bae Sunwoo, Lee Jeongeun6, and Chun Ingee, who are active both in Korea and abroad, had connections with Seokgyo Sangsa during their junior years. The company now operates a "Dream Tree" team consisting of 14 male juniors and 11 female juniors, including Ji Hansol, who is now a member of the KLPGA Tour.
The reason for Seokgyo Sangsa's sincere commitment to junior sponsorship is closely aligned with its management philosophy. The company has always aimed to do what others do not. When supporting young prospects was not common, it focused on junior support; when there were no tour vans in Korea, it was the first to introduce one. Its donations have also targeted areas neglected by others. While these efforts did not immediately lead to publicity or sales, they have contributed to the development of Korean golf.
Every year, Seokgyo Sangsa sends not only tour staff but also junior support staff to the Team Bridgestone overseas training camp. Until 2023, the company organized exchange matches between academy students and Thai juniors, providing international tournament experience.
Starting this year, Bridgestone Golf is running a ball discount promotion for junior players, offering a 50% discount to ease the burden of ball costs. Seokgyo Sangsa stated, "We will continue to consider various events and benefits to support junior golfers and the development of Korean golf."
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