KB Financial Group announced on August 25 that it will host the KLPGA Tour major tournament, the "KB Financial Star Championship," at Blackstone Golf Club Icheon for four days from September 4 to 7.
Celebrating its 20th anniversary this year, this tournament is the longest-running major tournament under a single sponsorship in the KLPGA, having been promoted to major status upon its inception in 2006. It is also the first and only KLPGA Tour major tournament sponsored by a financial institution.
KB Financial has adjusted the course difficulty to match the premium status of the event, enabling players to showcase their best skills. The original Blackstone course, known for its rugged, hilly terrain, will feature increased rough length, altered pin positions, and faster green speeds to raise the level of challenge. On Moving Day (Rounds 3 and 4), the course length will be modified to add excitement and encourage strategic play by the athletes.
This year, KB Financial has increased the total prize money from 1.2 billion won to 1.5 billion won, the highest in the KLPGA. The number of participating players has also been expanded from 108 to 120.
In addition, to mark the tournament's 20th anniversary, all group affiliates will join together to operate a Gallery Plaza, providing events and souvenirs to create a festive atmosphere for fans visiting the venue. The Gallery Plaza, themed "A Golden Journey with KB," will feature the "KB Golden Life Village," where eight affiliates will offer senior-focused products and services.
The "Star Friends Village," a play area where visitors can relax with KB Financial's mascot "Star Friends," will also be set up. The event will offer activities such as mini putting games, claw machines, and keyring making, ensuring fun for all ages. In addition, small business owners from "KB Maeum Store" will participate to provide a variety of food options to gallery visitors.
KB Financial is also committed to creating social value. On the official practice day, September 3, KB Financial-affiliated players Jeon Inji, Bang Shinsil, An Songyi, and Park Yeji will hold a "Dream Tree Lesson" for youth athletes from Icheon and Gyeonggi regions. During the tournament, a "Charity Zone" will be operated on the course. Each time a ball lands in the "KB Star Zone" on the 5th hole, 2 million won will be accumulated, up to a maximum of 100 million won, to support self-reliant youth. On the 13th hole, the "KB Golden Life Zone" will accumulate 20 kg of Icheon rice per occurrence, with a total of 3,000 kg to be donated to self-reliant youth in the local community.
A KB Financial representative stated, "Having grown alongside the history of Korean women's golf, we will go beyond the class and tradition proven over the past 20 years to achieve greater progress and write a new chapter for the future."
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