The CJ Cup "See you next year at Yeoju Hessle Nine Bridges"

Yeoju Haslininebridge Golf Course Panorama

[Asia Economy Kim Hyun-jun, Golf Specialist Reporter] "The battleground in 2021 is Yeoju Haslla Nine Bridges."

The only domestic PGA Tour event, The CJ Cup, will be held next year at Haslla Nine Bridges Golf Club in Yeoju, Gyeonggi Province. For the past three years, it was held at Nine Bridges in Seogwipo, Jeju Island, but this year, due to the impact of COVID-19, it was moved to Shadow Creek Golf Course (par 72) in Las Vegas, Nevada, USA. Jason Kokrak (USA) secured a 2-stroke victory (20-under 268) on the 19th (Korean time).

The total prize money starts at 9.75 million dollars (11.13 billion KRW). This is comparable to the 10 million dollars of the World Golf Championships (WGC) series, famous for the four majors and its "money party." When CJ Group established the tournament in 2017, they stated, "We will develop this event into a global sports and cultural platform to enhance the national brand and revitalize the economy," and expected "tens of thousands of galleries to enter the country annually, spreading direct and indirect consumption such as lodging and shopping."

In fact, it was broadcast to 220 countries worldwide, playing a significant role in spreading Korean culture globally. This time, by holding it on the US mainland, the promotional effect was maximized because American viewers could watch the broadcast at a convenient time. World ranking No. 2 Jon Rahm (Spain), No. 3 Justin Thomas (USA), and No. 4 Rory McIlroy (Northern Ireland) all participated, turning it into a top-class match, and costs were reduced as no invitation fees, flights, or accommodations were needed.

Experts analyzed that "the economic effect, including media exposure and advertising impact, will reach several hundred billion KRW." For domestic players, it became an opportunity to experience the "world league." Representing the Korean Tour, Kim Sung-hyun (22), Kim Han-byul (24), Lee Jae-kyung (21), Lee Tae-hee (36), Ham Jung-woo (26), and Kim Joo-hyung (19) gained experience. CJ Group added confidence, saying, "Next year, with the event held in the metropolitan area, even more spotlight will be focused."

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