KLPGA Domestic Season Opener Begins... "Major KLPGA Championship to be Held on May 14"

First Tournament Since COVID-19 Outbreak, 144 Participants Compete for Total Prize of 2.3 Billion KRW, Choi Hye-jin Defends Title

Choi Hye-jin is seen celebrating with her caddie, hugging each other right after her playoff victory at last year's KLPGA Championship.

[Asia Economy Reporter No Woo-rae] The Korea Ladies Professional Golf Association (KLPGA) will hold the first domestic tournament of the 2020 season in mid-next month.

On the 16th, KLPGA announced, "We have been considering ways to support players exhausted by the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19) and to cheer on related personnel and golf fans," and stated, "We will hold the 42nd KLPGA Championship, a tournament with history and tradition." It will kick off from May 14th for four days under the subtitle "Overcome COVID-19, Fighting Korea!" This major tournament offers the highest prize money ever with a total purse of 2.3 billion KRW (160 million KRW for the winner).

The tournament will also serve as the domestic opener signaling a new start for the KLPGA Tour, which was suspended due to COVID-19. It is the title defense for defending champion Choi Hye-jin (21, Lotte). KLPGA Chairman Kim Sang-yeol said, "The association agreed that holding the tournament led by the association is the best option not only for players but also for sponsors and other stakeholders in the golf industry," and added, "We hope to ease the disappointment and frustration of many golf fans not only in Korea but around the world."

The KLPGA Championship was originally scheduled to be held from April 30th at Lakewood Golf Club in Yangju, Gyeonggi Province, with sponsorship from Chris F&C and a total prize money of 1 billion KRW. However, the first major of the season was canceled due to the spread of COVID-19. The KLPGA Championship, held without a main sponsor, will feature the top 144 players. After the 2nd round, players tied for 102nd place and after the 3rd round, players tied for 70th place will advance to the final 4th round.

In line with the tournament's purpose, the 'MDF (Made cut, Did not Finish) cut-off' rule will be applied, and a different prize money distribution rate from regular tournaments will be used. The plan is to ensure that all players receive prize money. To overcome COVID-19, KLPGA will donate 190 million KRW to the Korean Red Cross, which includes the previously prepared support fund of 50 million KRW plus 140 million KRW from the special membership fee (6%) deducted from the prize money of the players in this tournament.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.