Jeonnam Province, Haenam County, and LPGA Sign Agreement to Host Tournament
Tee-off at Haenam Pine Beach CC on October 16
BMW Korea: "Promoting Korea's Pebble Beach to the World"
On August 8, Haenam County and the US Ladies Professional Golf Association (LPGA) signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) at the clubhouse of Pine Beach Country Club (Pine Beach CC) in Haenam for the successful hosting of the "2025 LPGA BMW Ladies Championship Haenam Tournament."
The signing ceremony was attended by National Assembly member Park Jiwon, Jeonnam Province Vice Governor Myung Changhwan, Haenam County Governor Myung Hyunkwan, LPGA executives, BMW Korea Division Head Joo Yangye, and Pine Beach CC CEO Heo Myungho.
Haenam County and the US Ladies Professional Golf Association (LPGA) have signed a business agreement for the successful hosting of the "2025 LPGA BMW Ladies Championship Haenam Tournament." Photo by Lee Jungkyung
At the event, Representative Park stated, "I am truly delighted that the LPGA tournament will be held in Haenam. I sincerely thank the LPGA and BMW Korea executives for making the decision to bring this tournament here," adding, "We will do our utmost, together with the local government, to ensure the tournament's success."
This tournament will be held over four days from October 16 to 19 at Pine Beach CC, located in Sia-ro, Hwawon-myeon, Haenam County. The LPGA will organize the event, and BMW Korea will serve as the host.
The BMW Ladies Championship is the only official LPGA Tour event held in Korea. Since this year marks its first time being held in the Jeonnam region, it is expected to serve as an opportunity to showcase Korea's natural beauty and regional characteristics to the world. The tournament will feature the top 70 players in the women's world golf rankings, along with 8 invited players.
Under the business agreement, Haenam County and the LPGA will establish a cooperative system for tournament preparations and closely collaborate on all aspects, including establishing the basic tournament plan, securing project funding and promotions, and providing administrative support.
Haenam County announced plans to provide a total of 600 million won in local funding for the tournament, including the Jeonnam provincial budget, and pledged to offer full administrative support for related permits and procedures.
Pine Beach CC, the tournament venue, boasts a beautiful seaside course and is well known among both domestic and international golfers for its challenging course setup and natural scenery. The club has been selected as one of Korea's top 10 golf courses and is also listed among the Asia-Pacific Top 50 Golf Courses, demonstrating its international competitiveness.
Haenam County Governor Myung Hyunkwan said, "It is very meaningful for us to host an international golf tournament. We will make thorough preparations so that, through this event, we can promote the beauty and tourism resources of Haenam, the starting point of the Korean Peninsula, to the world."
BMW Korea CEO Han Sangyun commented, "It is significant to host an official LPGA Tour event at Pine Beach Golf Links, known as the 'Pebble Beach of Korea.' We will do our best to introduce the charm of Haenam to golf fans around the world."
Since the Samsung World Championship in 1995, the LPGA has held various tournaments in Korea. Since establishing its Asia office in 2014, it has continued to bring global events such as the BMW Ladies Championship to the region.
In particular, the upcoming Haenam tournament is part of the LPGA's Asia Series and is expected to be broadcast to approximately 570 million households in about 170 countries. As a result, not only will Haenam County's international profile be elevated, but it is also expected to significantly boost the local economy and strengthen its position as a golf tourism destination.
Meanwhile, although last year's tournament in Paju saw a slight decrease in spectators due to rain, this year, many golf fans are expected to visit Haenam.
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