The Korea Professional Golfers’ Association is confident next month’s Ballantine’s Championship will further raise the sport’s profile in the country.
The €2,000,000 tournament, played at Pinx Golf Club from March 13-16, will be the first European Tour event held in Korea, where the game’s popularity is on the increase.
Park Ho Yun, General Manager for the Korea Professional Golfers’ Association (KPGA), said: “The Ballantine's Championship is an important opportunity for Korean players to experience a major event, and it will be a vital stepping stone for their career development.”
The KPGA has been awarded 25 of the tournament’s 132 places, making it the first time that homegrown players have been allowed to compete in large numbers alongside the game’s elite.
“Having the chance to participate in a major event in any sport, not just golf, makes a significant difference to players,” said Park.
“The number of Korean golfers who have so far experienced European Tour, US PGA Tour or Japan Golf Tour events is quite low.
“Having these 25 places in the tournament means KPGA members are being given a wonderful opportunity to enhance their skills and build their confidence.”
Playing alongside the home nation’s lesser lights will be Korean sporting idol KJ Choi, the World Number Nine and seven times a winner on the US PGA Tour.
Park said: “Choi is an idol for Korean golf fans, who are very proud of his excellent performances on the US PGA Tour.
“So when he plays in Korea, the interest is extremely high. He attracted more than 10,000 fans to Lake Side Country Club for the Shinhan Open last year.
“His participation in the Ballantine’s Championship will definitely boost public interest, and increase the quality of the tournament.”
Joining Choi will be reigning Open champion Padraig Harrington, multiple European Tour winner Colin Montgomerie, and rising Korean-American talent Anthony Kim.
Korean star SK Ho, nine times a winner on the Japan Golf Tour, and Asian Tour Order of Merit champion Liang Wen-Chong of China have also confirmed their attendance.
