[Field Story] The Shorter the Break, the Better

KPGA Tour on Break Until Late August
Seven KLPGA Tournaments Scheduled During Hiatus
Uncertain Economy Signals Tougher Tour Conditions Next Year

The long summer break is a problem.

This is the story of the Korea Professional Golf Association (KPGA) Tour. Although early July should be the peak of the tournament season, the tour has already entered its summer break. The KPGA Tour wrapped up its first half of the season with the KPGA Gunsan CC Open on June 29. After opening with the DB Insurance Promy Open on April 17 and holding a total of 10 tournaments, the tour will be on hiatus for two months. The second half will begin with the Donga Membership Group Open at Gangnam 300 CC in Gwangju, Gyeonggi Province, on August 28. There are only 10 tournaments in the second half as well. Ok Taehun, who recently clinched back-to-back victories, had a chance to extend his winning streak, but with no tournaments scheduled, he must wait eight weeks.

Wonseop Kim, 19th President of KPGA

In contrast, the Korea Ladies Professional Golf Association (KLPGA) Tour is still thriving. Although the number of tournaments has decreased compared to last year, there will be seven tournaments during the KPGA Tour's eight-week break. Starting with the Lotte Open on July 3, the schedule continues with the High1 Resort Women's Open on July 10, the Aurora World Ladies Championship on July 31, the Jeju Samdasoo Masters on August 7, the Mediheal·Hankook Ilbo Championship on August 14, the BC Card·Hankyung Ladies Cup on August 21, and the KG Ladies Open on August 29. This is an aspect that KPGA Tour players envy.

The KPGA Tour had hoped for a dramatic turnaround. Since Wonseop Kim took office as the 19th president in 2024, the tour has pursued various changes. There have been positive developments, such as the introduction of a pension system. However, the tour failed to attract new tournaments that could serve as its foundation. The Challenge (second division) Tour also lost its sponsor. The number of regular tour events decreased from 22 last year to 20 this year. Even these are tournaments financially supported by the KPGA itself, including the KPGA Classic, KPGA Championship, KPGA Gunsan CC Open, KPGA Founders Cup, and KPGA Tour Championship.

What makes matters worse is the challenging domestic economic situation. Major corporations and financial groups have become reluctant not only to host tournaments but also to sponsor players. The KPGA Tour may face even greater difficulties next year. At his inaugural press conference, President Kim stated, "I am neither a chaebol, a politician, nor a former member of the National Assembly. I have worked in sports marketing for 25 years," promising a different approach. Creative ideas and hands-on efforts from a marketing expert are urgently needed at this time.