Newly Established Gyeongbuk Open Upgraded to Regular Tour Event
Opens October 1 at Hanmaek Country Club in Yecheon, North Gyeongsang
Total Prize Money of 700 Million Won, Two-Year Tour Seed for Winner
The Korea Professional Golfers' Association (KPGA) has elevated the Opposite Tournament to regular tour status.
On September 9, KPGA announced that it will host the newly established KPGA Gyeongbuk Open from October 1 to 4 at Hanmaek Country Club in Yecheon, North Gyeongsang Province. The Gyeongbuk Open was originally scheduled to be held as an Opposite Tournament from October 21 to 24. It was intended for the top 84 KPGA tour seed players who do not qualify for the DP World Tour Genesis Championship, which is held during the same week at Woojeong Hills Country Club in Cheonan, South Chungcheong Province. The total prize money was set at 500 million won, with 80% of Genesis points to be awarded.
However, this Opposite Tournament has now been promoted to a regular tour event. Both the number of participants and the prize money have been increased. A total of 120 players will compete in a 4-round, 72-hole stroke play format to determine the winner. The total prize money is 700 million won, with the winner receiving 140 million won. The champion will also earn a two-year KPGA tour seed and 1,000 Genesis points.
KPGA Chairman Wonseop Kim stated, "At the request of the players, the Opposite Tournament has been elevated to a regular tour event," adding, "Next year, we will thoroughly prepare to address the shortcomings of this season and deliver an even richer tour." The Gyeongbuk Open will also serve as a charity event to support areas in North Gyeongsang Province affected by wildfires last March.
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