Youngchan Kim, Chairman of Golfzon Group, Ranked Most Influential in Asian Golf Industry for Three Consecutive Years

Announcement by U.S. Golf Industry Magazine "Golf Inc"
Expanding Golf Industry Capabilities to Benefit Group Members
Establishment of Golfzon America Broadens Market Reach in North America

Youngchan Kim, chairman of Golfzon Group, has ranked first in influence in the Asian golf industry for three consecutive years.

On May 25 (local time), the American golf industry magazine "Golf Inc" announced its list of the "Most Powerful People in Asian Golf," selecting Kim as number one. In its May issue, Golf Inc introduced Chairman Kim as the most influential figure in the Asian golf industry, highlighting his contributions to the popularization of golf in Korea and the development of the global golf industry.

Youngchan Kim, chairman of Golfzon Group, has ranked first in influence in the Asian golf industry for three consecutive years. Golfzon Group

Golf Inc stated, "Golfzon founder Youngchan Kim has maintained an unchallenged number one position for years. Golfzon has signed a strategic partnership with Troon, a leading golf course management company in the United States, and continues to expand its activities, especially in North America," adding, "Notably, in September last year, Golfzon established the state-of-the-art screen golf facility 'City Golf' in Tianjin, China, showcasing differentiated technological capabilities."

Chairman Kim said, "I am honored to be recognized as an influential figure every year, acknowledging my interest in and efforts toward the development of the global golf industry," and added, "I will continue to pursue innovative technology development and do my best to expand our influence as a global golf platform company."

In May 2000, Chairman Kim founded Golfzon as a screen golf venture company and has since grown it into Golfzon Group, which includes affiliates in screen golf, field golf, and golf equipment distribution. Currently, Golfzon Group is exerting influence in the golf industry by demonstrating specialized capabilities in each company while maximizing synergy among group affiliates.

In August 2016, Golfzon established its North American subsidiary, Golfzon America, and has since supplied golf simulators to more than 250 stores. The company has also opened four locations of "Golfzon Social," a sports pub-style integrated golf culture space, in New York State, and is introducing "Golfzon Leadbetter Academy," which combines cutting-edge technology and professional coaching, in various locations worldwide. In addition, Golfzon operates "Golfzon Range" academy stores using the GDR system in New York and New Jersey, accelerating its expansion into the North American market through a glocalization strategy.

In September last year, Golfzon launched the urban hybrid golf course "City Golf" in Tianjin, China. City Golf features a digital 18-hole golf course in an indoor space of about 5,000 pyeong, replicating an environment similar to an actual field. Each of the 18 screens and greens allows players to experience the immersion of playing on an outdoor course.

Golfzon County, after acquiring Eagle Mont CC in November last year and signing a lease management contract for Orange Dunes GC (now Golfzon County Songdo) in February this year, now operates a total of 459 holes (across 20 golf courses), making it the largest golf course total service company in Korea. Golfzon Commerce, a golf equipment distribution specialist, operates 110 Golfzon Market offline stores nationwide. The company also provides differentiated services such as "True Fit," a fitting center that offers customized clubs for individuals, and "Golfzon Market Neighbor," a specialty store for used clubs.

In 2010, Chairman Kim established the Golfzon Cultural Foundation to support artists and underprivileged groups in local communities. In 2015, he personally funded the establishment of the Yuwon Golf Foundation, which nurtures young golf talents and athletes and publishes the "Golf Industry White Paper" to promote the development of the golf industry, thereby fulfilling his social responsibilities.