[Golf Topic] LPGA Tour Establishes 'Popov Rule'... "Abolishing Discrimination Against Non-Member Winners"

This is a scene of Sofia Popov shedding tears right after winning the major AIG Women's Open last year as a non-member.

[Asia Economy Reporter No Woo-rae] ○…The U.S. Women's Professional Golf (LPGA) Tour is introducing the 'Popov Rule.'

Golfweek reported on the 9th (Korean time) that "The LPGA Tour Players Association has agreed to revise the special privileges for non-member winners starting this year, and the tour office will soon finalize and announce the details." This system recognizes the prize money and various points earned by non-members who win on the LPGA Tour. Sophia Popov (Germany), who won the major AIG Women's Open last year as a non-member, became a member but started with '0' in prize money ranking and CME Race points.

The reason Popov's prize money ranking was only 77th ($120,674) is because the $675,000 winner's prize was not officially recognized as prize money. Due to discrimination against non-member winners, she was also unable to participate in the final CME Group Tour Championship. Previously, non-members who won a major were granted membership for two years, but starting this year, they will receive a five-year tour card. Upon winning, they can immediately participate in all tournaments from the next event with winner status.

Popov faced restrictions on tournament participation even after her win. Golfweek called the new regulation the 'Popov Rule' because the hardships Popov experienced last year sparked multiple controversies. The revised rule is not applied retroactively. Arim Kim (26, SBI), who won the U.S. Women's Open as a non-member, will not be eligible for a five-year tour card. The LPGA Tour has reinstated the mandatory caddie accompaniment rule, which was temporarily lifted last year due to the global spread of COVID-19.

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