“KPGA will definitely grow.”
On February 14, 2020, Chairman Koo Ja-cheol, who was officially inaugurated as the president of the Korea Professional Golf Association (KPGA), said, “We will strive to continue the glory of the KPGA that has been going on for more than half a century, and 2020 will be the first year of a leap forward. Players’ efforts I will make a developing KPGA so that this is not in vain,” he promised through his inaugural address.
At the time, domestic men’s golf was behind women’s golf in all aspects, including size and popularity. The way out of the crisis was also vague. Regarding the position of KPGA president, luxuryists have expressed it as a ‘poisoned holy grail’. In addition, 7 out of 18 tournaments were canceled due to the influence of the Corona 19 pandemic, so there was not even an ’empty cart’ that should have been noisy in the first year of President Koo’s inauguration.
Four new tournaments were created, including the ‘KPGA Open with Solago CC’, which was prepared by Chairman Koo’s private funds, but they were only at the level of matching the assortment. There were not a few players who gave lessons to support their families or looked for other jobs altogether.
In 2021, the second year of his tenure, the Korean Tour was organized with 17 tournaments and a total prize money of 15.6 billion won메이저사이트. It wasn’t overflowing, but it was significant in that it re-entered the normal track. Last year, 21 competitions were held with a total prize money of 20.5 billion won.
In January, Chairman Koo, who was already in his last year of office, said, “It has been the fourth year since I took office. Even though I have encountered unexpected obstacles such as the spread of Corona 19, I have overcome it well by joining forces. 2023 is the most important year in KPGA history. it will be harm”
Around that time, I also heard the good news that the labor-management collective agreement, which had not been resolved for about 2 years and 6 months from August 2020, reached an agreement. It is rumored that Koo played a decisive role behind the negotiations.
Although several obstacles remain, such as the issue of selecting broadcasting rights operators, all KPGA members saw new hope. And on the 23rd, KPGA announced, “The Korean Tour will be held this year with 25 tournaments and a total prize money of over 25 billion won.”
It is the largest ever and the average prize money per tournament is about 1 billion won, so it is not too far behind women’s golf. Naturally, there are also positive voices about Koo’s reappointment regardless of his will.
Chairman Koo said, “It is encouraging that the size and value of the tour are continuously expanding. I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the golf industry officials who have helped me a lot.” It will be a year to do it, and we ask for your continued support and encouragement.