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The Best Korean Golfers

Vote for the best Korean golfers based on their golfing talent and skill.

Have you ever wondered how many famous golfers are from Korea? There is no lack of skill in the country, as we demonstrate on this ranked list of the best Korean golfers. The poll below contains both famous men and women golfers from Korea, most of which are professional players and some of who are even amongst the greatest golfers of all time . Vote up who you believe to be the top golfers from France, and even add any up and coming players to the list if they aren't already here.

One great Korean golfer is Inbee Park. Park has 25 professional wins, 17 of which came on the LPGA tour. Park was also the number one ranked player in the Women's World Golf Rankings from April 15, 2013 to June 1, 2014. Another great golfer from Korea is K. J. Choi who has won 20 professional golf torunaments, eight of which were on the PGA Tour. Choi is arguably Asia's most successful male golfer on the international level. 

A trailblazer for Korean golfers on the global stage, Pak Se-ri, with her unwavering determination and smooth swing, has inspired countless athletes in her home country to pursue professional golf. Known for her remarkable ability to maintain composure under immense pressure, she gracefully captured the hearts of fans around the world. Since her retirement, her enduring impact on the sport is evident as she paved the way for a new generation of Korean talents to dominate the LPGA Tour, making her one of the best Korean golfers of all time.

Synonymous with consistency and finesse, Inbee Park has been a prominent force in women's golf since her debut. Her unshakeable focus and finesse on the greens make her one of the most formidable players on the tour, especially during major tournaments. As she continues to be a role model for aspiring Korean golfers, Park's legacy is cemented as one of the most distinguished and influential players in the history of the sport.

Armed with exceptional versatility and adaptability, Kim Si-woo has quickly ascended the ranks to establish himself as one of the premier Korean golfers on the PGA Tour. His ability to deliver clutch performances on the biggest stages demonstrates his mental fortitude and undeniable talent. As he progresses through his career, Kim's impressive accomplishments thus far indicate that he is poised to carry the torch for Korean golfers on the world stage.

K.J. Choi's unwavering work ethic, coupled with his brilliant shot-making skills, helped cement his position as one of the pioneering figures of Korean golf. Possessing an innate understanding of course management, Choi navigated challenges with ease and finesse, earning him a reputation as an astute tactician on the fairways. As an inspirational figure for many golfers in his home country, Choi's impact on the sport is indisputable and his contributions to Korean golf are immeasurable.

In-Kyung Kim

With an effortless swing and steadfast determination, In-Kyung Kim has solidified her standing as one of Korea's greatest female golfers. Her impeccable ball-striking ability and steadfast composure on the course have led her to numerous victories, proving that she is indeed a force to be reckoned with amongst her contemporaries. As she continues to add to her already impressive resume, Kim's impact on the sport is unquestionable, inspiring countless Korean women to pursue their ambitions on the golf course.

Grace Park burst onto the golf scene with her powerful drives and aggressive play, quickly making her mark as one of Korea's top female golfers . Her tenacity and determination led to numerous victories, showcasing her raw talent combined with a relentless will to win. As one of the forerunners for Korean women in professional golf, Park's influence remains strong as she has inspired a new generation of aspiring golfers in her homeland.

Ryu So-Yeon

Combining her innate talent with incredible work ethic, Ryu So-Yeon has consistently been a dominant force in women's golf. Her exceptional iron play and remarkable consistency on the greens have positioned her as one of the most formidable competitors on the LPGA Tour. Continuously surpassing expectations, Ryu's ever-growing list of accomplishments serves as an inspiration to Korean golfers worldwide, and solidifies her status as one of the nation's premier athletes.

Choi Na-Yeon

With her unwavering dedication to excellence and an unshakeable determination to succeed, Choi Na-Yeon has made a colossal impact on both the LPGA Tour and the world of Korean golf. Possessing remarkable technique and precision on the greens, she navigates even the most challenging courses with ease and confidence. As she continues to inspire the next generation of Korean golfers, Na-Yeon's contributions to the sport are undeniable and her place among Korean golf's elite is well deserved.

Known for his meticulous approach to the game and unwavering determination, Kevin Na has long been a stalwart of the PGA Tour. With his tactical prowess and exceptional short game, Na consistently contends at the highest level, bringing pride to the Korean community with each accomplishment. As he continues to forge his legacy within the sport, Na embodies the tenacity, spirit, and passion that make him one of Korea's best golfers.

An Byeong-hun

Renowned for his elegant swing and precision, An Byeong-hun's meteoric rise in the world of golf is a testament to his immense talent and unwavering dedication to perfecting his craft. With a seemingly unshakable focus, he consistently delivers exceptional performances under pressure, illustrating his position as one of the premier Korean golfers. As his career continues to flourish, Byeong-hun's achievements serve as an inspiration to both fans and fellow athletes alike.

Noh Seung-yul

Exemplifying exceptional course management skills and a natural talent for shot-making, Noh Seung-yul has quickly become one of the most promising Korean golfers on the PGA Tour. With his smooth swing and aggressive style of play, he consistently brings excitement and flair to the tournament circuit. As he continues to build upon his already impressive repertoire, Seung-yul stands out as a shining example of the immense potential and dedication inherent in Korea's emerging golf stars.

Highly regarded for his precision and strategic skill on the course, Charlie Wi has solidified his standing as one of Korea's most prominent golfers. His impressive performances on the international stage showcase his unwavering focus and drive, making him a role model for aspiring athletes. As Wi continues to forge his path in the world of professional golf, his dedication, passion, and commitment to excellence serve as an inspiration to future generations of Korean golfers.

Yang Yong-eun

Captivating golf fans worldwide with his exceptional ball-striking ability and resilient drive, Yang Yong-eun has been a trailblazer for Korean golfers on the international stage. Renowned for his outstanding performances under pressure, he has consistently showcased a rare combination of focus, determination, and raw talent. As he continues to make an indelible mark on the sport, Yong-eun's contributions to Korean golf are undeniable, and his influence on future generations of players will be everlasting.

Chella Choi

Chella Choi's unique blend of precision, power, and finesse has allowed her to make a significant impact on the LPGA Tour and solidify her position as one of Korea's best female golfers. Her unwavering determination and commitment to honing her craft have led her to numerous hard-fought victories, showcasing her impressive skills and true champion mentality. As she continues to excel on the world stage, Choi's contributions to the sport and influence on future generations of Korean golfers remain immeasurable.

With her unwavering resolve and exceptional shot-making ability, Jiyai Shin's presence on the LPGA Tour has been nothing short of extraordinary. Her remarkable consistency on the greens and unique approach to course management have earned her numerous accolades and respect from her peers. As she continues to build upon her already impressive resumé, Shin's dedication, skill, and passion for the sport exemplify the qualities that make her one of Korea's greatest golfers.

Shi-Hyun Ahn

Shi-Hyun Ahn's remarkable ability to exceed expectations, even in the face of adversity, has earned her a respected place among Korea's elite female golfers. Her unwavering resolve and impressive skillset have consistently led her to success on the LPGA Tour, inspiring fans and fellow athletes alike. As she continues to forge her path in professional golf, Ahn's dedication, talent, and tenacity serve as an inspiration to countless aspiring Korean golfers.

Bae Sang-moon

Combining immense talent with an unyielding work ethic, Bae Sang-moon has solidified his standing as one of the premier Korean golfers on the PGA Tour. His powerful drives and precision in the short game make him a formidable competitor on any course, reflecting his extensive dedication to the sport. As he continues to represent Korea on the world stage, Sang-moon's success serves as an inspiration to aspiring golfers in his homeland, highlighting the limitless potential within the nation's golfing community.

Meena Lee's outstanding skill in navigating even the most challenging courses has solidified her place among the best female golfers from Korea. Her impressive short game, combined with her natural talent for shot-making, has led to numerous victories on the LPGA Tour. As her career continues to flourish, Lee's passion for the sport and dedication to excellence serve as an inspiration to future generations of Korean golfers.

Kim Young's masterful technique and innate ability to read the course have established him as a formidable presence on the global golfing stage. His unrivaled dedication to perfecting his craft, combined with his tireless work ethic, has garnered him recognition and success in numerous international tournaments. As he continues to blaze a trail for Korean golfers worldwide, Young's impact on the sport is truly immeasurable.

Jee-Young Lee

Jee-Young Lee's exceptional golfing skills, characterized by her powerful drives and unwavering tenacity, have secured her place among Korea's top female golfers. Her ability to consistently perform at a high level, even under extreme pressure, has made her an inspiration to aspiring golfers in her home country. As she continues to make her mark on the LPGA Tour, Jee-Young's contributions to the sport and her influence on the next generation of Korean golfers remain both significant and far-reaching.

Ok-Hee Ku's outstanding precision and graceful swing have ranked her among the best female golfers hailing from Korea. Her commitment to excellence and undeniable talent have earned her the respect of her peers and the admiration of fans around the world. As her influence continues to shape the trajectory of Korean golf, Ku's impact on the sport and her legacy as a pioneering figure will be long-lasting and profound.

Mi-Hyun Kim

With her innate talent for ball-striking and an unshakable determination to succeed, Mi-Hyun Kim has left an indelible mark on professional golf. Her powerful swing and heightened accuracy on the fairways have captivated fans and peers alike, securing her position as one of Korea's finest female golfers. As her legacy continues to inspire a new generation of players, Kim's impact on the sport remains both profound and lasting.

Park Hee-Young

Renowned for her elegant swing and fierce determination, Park Hee-Young has emerged as one of the most formidable Korean golfers on the LPGA Tour. Her remarkable ability to perform under pressure, combined with her skillful approach to even the most challenging courses, sets her apart as a true talent in the sport. As she continues to carve out her place among the world's best, Hee-Young's dedication to excellence serves as a shining example for aspiring Korean golfers.

Kim Kyung-tae

With his powerful drives and exceptional iron play, Kim Kyung-tae has firmly established himself as one of Korea's premier golfers. His undaunted commitment to honing his craft has led to numerous successes on the international stage, making him a role model for aspiring golfers from his homeland. As he continues to make his mark on the professional circuit, Kyung-tae's impact on the sport remains both significant and inspirational.

Song-Hee Kim

Song-Hee Kim's exceptional skill, resilience, and steely determination have firmly placed her among the best female golfers from Korea. As she consistently delivers outstanding performances on the LPGA Tour, her unwavering dedication to success and an impressive list of accomplishments have endeared her to both fans and fellow players alike. As she continues to break through barriers and reach new heights in her career, Kim's impact on the sport and her role in inspiring future generations of Korean golfers will be long-lasting and profound.

Sun-Ju Ahn's unwavering focus and graceful poise on the golf course have solidified her standing as one of Korea's top female golfers. Her impressive record of achievements and her signature smooth swing have made her a standout competitor on the LPGA Tour. As she continues to excel on the world stage, Ahn's contributions to the sport and her influence on future generations of Korean golfers are truly immeasurable.

Combining her innate talent with an unyielding drive for success, Jimin Kang has cemented her position as one of Korea's finest female golfers. With her exceptional shot-making skills and steadfast determination to overcome even the most challenging courses, Kang has made a lasting impression on the LPGA Tour. As her career continues to flourish, her impact on the sport and her inspiring legacy will undoubtedly be felt by future generations of Korean golfers.

Combining an effortless swing with an incredible dedication to perfecting her craft, Eun-Hee Ji has established herself as one of Korea's most promising female golfers. Her sterling performances on the LPGA Tour have showcased her unshakeable focus and ice-cool composure under pressure, making her a force to be reckoned with among her competitors. As she continues to build upon her already impressive list of accomplishments, Ji's influence on the sport and her role in inspiring the next generation of Korean golfers are truly monumental.

Han Hee-Won

Han Hee-Won's remarkable precision and unparalleled work ethic have secured her place among the best female golfers hailing from Korea. Her ability to deliver captivating performances on the world stage has earned her the adoration of fans and respect from her peers. As her career continues to soar, Hee-Won's influence on the future generations of Korean golfers, and her considerable contributions to the sport, remain both powerful and enduring.

Kang Soo-Yun

Kang Soo-Yun's exceptional ball-striking ability and unyielding perseverance have established her as one of Korea's most impressive female golfers. Adept at navigating even the most challenging courses, her unwavering focus and determination have led to numerous successes on the LPGA Tour. As she continues to shatter expectations and reach new heights in her career, Soo-Yun's legacy within the sport and her influence on the future of Korean golf are truly admirable.

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Four Korean golfers advance to BMW Championship

Im Sung-jae hits his tee shot on the ninth hole during the first round of the FedEx St. Jude Championship golf tournament at TPC Southwind in Memphis, Tennessee on Aug. 11. [EPA/YONHAP]

Kim Joo-hyung plays his shot from the seventh tee during the final round of the FedEx St. Jude Championship at TPC Southwind on Sunday in Memphis, Tennessee. [AFP/YONHAP]

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DP World Tour Announces New Korean PGA Link Up

The new deal will see the KPGA's top points scorer earn a DP World Tour card plus the announcement of a new $2m tournament in April

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After confirming a deal with the Japan Golf Tour earlier in the month, the DP World Tour has now announced a link up with the Korean PGA to strengthen its ties amid the ongoing threat of LIV Golf .

The new deal will see the KPGA’s Genesis Point Award Winner - the tour's order of merit leader - earn membership onto the DP World Tour for the ensuing season, beginning with the current 2023 campaign, and the launch of a brand new $2 million tournament in Korea.

The top finishers on the Genesis Point list will also earn entry into various stages of 2023's DP World Tour Qualifying School. The PGA, DP World and Korean PGA Tours "intend to further discuss expansion of additional pathway commitments for 2024 and beyond," the DP World Tour says.

Youngsoo Kim has secured this exemption for the 2023 DP World Tour season after finishing the 2022 campaign as the Genesis Point Award Winner, having claimed his first career KPGA victory in October at the Genesis Championship before winning again at the season-ending LG Signature Players Championship.

Kim's Genesis Championship win gained him entry into July’s Genesis Scottish Open, the Rolex Series event which is co-sanctioned by the DP World Tour and PGA Tour.

The DP World Tour has also confirmed that it will return to Korea for the first time in 10 years next April for the inaugural Korea Championship. The tournament, which will be co-sanctioned by the DP World Tour and KPGA, will be played at Jack Nicklaus Golf Club Korea in Incheon with a $2 million prize fund on offer.

The DP World Tour says the announcement further enhances the playing opportunities for international players to compete at the highest levels of men’s professional golf - with ten PGA Tour cards being awarded to the DP World Tour's top finishers.

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The KPGA will also work alongside the DP World Tour and PGA Tour on other key business areas, including strategic development and commercial growth, as well as future collaboration on media rights strategy and enhancements to the player pathway, including access to the Korn Ferry Tour.  

Keith Pelley, Chief Executive Officer of the DP World Tour, said, “The KPGA has a strong history of producing exceptional talent and we are delighted to confirm these formal pathways, giving players clearly defined routes to showcase their skills on the DP World Tour and PGA Tour.

“Combined with our tournament in Korea next April, we look forward to working closely with the KPGA and the PGA Tour to inspire, and to enable, future generations of Korean players to reach the very top of the men’s professional game.”

Jay Monahan, Commissioner of the PGA Tour, said: “Sungjae Im, K.H. Lee, Si Woo Kim and Joo-hyung ‘Tom’ Kim are all becoming household names in the United States thanks in large part to the contributions they made this past September for the International Team at the 2022 Presidents Cup. What each of those young stars has in common is that they all honed their craft at the KPGA, which continues a proud tradition of producing world-class talent each and every year. We look forward to seeing the next set of young stars from this proud golf country make their way onto the DP World Tour and perhaps subsequently onto the PGA Tour in future seasons.”

Ja-Cheol (J.C.) Koo, Chairman of the Korea Professional Golfers’ Association, said, “It has been our honour to see Korean Tour winners go on to have similar success at the top echelon of the men’s professional game. We are certain that today’s announcement will help further grow the sport in Korea, and we are grateful to be officially welcomed into the meritocracy that the men’s professional game provides.”

Korean stars who have previously been victorious on both the DP World Tour and PGA Tour include K.J. Choi, Y.E. Yang and Seung-Yul Noh. Choi jointly holds the record for most PGA Tour victories by an Asian golfer with eight, including the 2011 Players Championship.

Choi said: “I’m delighted the KPGA, DP World Tour and PGA Tour have expanded their relationship which will only benefit Korean golfers. Our young players will have added motivation to excel in the game as there is now a clear career pathway for them to compete on the KPGA, and subsequently play against the best players in the world on the DP World Tour and PGA Tour. This announcement is a wonderful development for Korean golf.”

Elliott Heath is our News Editor and has been with Golf Monthly since early 2016 after graduating with a degree in Sports Journalism. He manages the Golf Monthly news team as well as our large Facebook , Twitter and Instagram pages. He covered the 2022 Masters from Augusta National as well as five Open Championships on-site including the 150th at St Andrews. His first Open was in 2017 at Royal Birkdale, when he walked inside the ropes with Jordan Spieth during the Texan's memorable Claret Jug triumph. He has played 35 of our Top 100 golf courses, with his favourites being both Sunningdales, Woodhall Spa, Western Gailes, Old Head and Turnberry. He has been obsessed with the sport since the age of 8 and currently plays off of a six handicap. His golfing highlights are making albatross on the 9th hole on the Hotchkin Course at Woodhall Spa, shooting an under-par round, playing in the Aramco Team Series on the Ladies European Tour and making his one and only hole-in-one at the age of 15 - a long time ago now!

Elliott is currently playing:

Driver: Titleist TSR4

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Ball: Srixon Z Star XV

The YouTube star appeared set for a place at the Myrtle Beach Classic, but a near miss on the 18th left him in a playoff, which Matt Atkins won

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Joe Ferguson examines how you can avoid some common pitfalls the next time you look to change putters

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Who is Byeong Hun An? South Korean golfer on 2024 Masters leaderboard Thursday

Byeong Hun An had a solid showing on the first 18 holes of the 2024 Masters on Thursday, starting his run with three consecutive birdies.

An, who finished 2-under par on Thursday, was a surprise on the early Masters leaderboard, as the South Korean had a solid start at Augusta National.

REQUIRED READING: How all 13 LIV golfers performed at 2024 Masters Thursday, including Bryson DeChambeau

While the Masters leaderboard will certainly change between now and Sunday, the final day of the tournament, An is hoping a strong start can provide momentum for the rest of the event.

Here's everything to know about An after his start to the Masters on Thursday:

Who is Byeong Hun An?

Byeong Hun An is a South Korean golfer currently on the PGA Tour, and earned an invitational to the 2024 Masters.

The 32-year-old turned pro in 2011 after a college career at Cal. He was born in Seoul, South Korea, and according to his PGA Tour bio, his English name is Ben.

An moved to the United States in 2005 to attend the David Leadbetter Golf Academy in Bradenton, Florida.

An has never won a PGA Tour event, however, has finished runner-up five times and inside the top five 13 times. He's currently in seventh place in the PGA Tour's FedEx Cup Playoffs and is ranked 44th in the Official World Golf Ranking.

The 2024 Masters marks An's fifth appearance at Augusta National, however, it's his first since 2020. This year's event is all special for An, as it's his first time at the tournament with his wife and children in attendance, he told the PGA Tour.

An became the youngest winner of the U.S. Amateur in 2009, which is an annual tournament consisting of the best amateur golfers in the United States.

REQUIRED READING: Akshay Bhatia recalls Drive, Chip & Putt, Junior Invitational ahead of 2024 Masters

Byeong Hun An tournament history

Byeong Hun An has never won a PGA Tour tournament, however, has been a runner-up five times and top-five finisher 13 times.

Byeong Hun An career earnings

Byeong Hun An's official career earnings are $15,846,169, according to his PGA Tour bio.

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South Korean golf star Tom Kim finds balance, ready for big season in 2024 on PGA Tour

Chuah Choo Chiang

When young South Korean star Tom Kim qualified for his maiden Tour Championship appearance in August by being among the elite 30 golfers on the PGA Tour, he was asked how he would grade his 2022-23 season.

The 21-year-old gave himself a C-minus.

It certainly felt Kim was being extremely hard on himself, as his first full season on the elite circuit had at the time included one victory and seven other top-10s, including at two of the Majors.

“It’s just the truth,” said Kim without batting an eyelid. “I won a title this season, but it wasn’t this year, and it was about 10 months ago.

“However, I also had some good results in the Majors, so it’s a positive. I gained confidence and comfort in those events. Golf is a sport that is judged by results, so I’m disappointed I didn’t win this year.”

When quizzed on what he needed to have given himself a better grade, he simply replied – “start winning” – which he duly delivered with a sensational third PGA Tour victory when he retained his title at the Shriners Children’s Open in Las Vegas in October.

Kim’s self-deprecating attitude, coupled with a winning mentality and an abundance of talent, are ingredients that should propel him towards his goals of winning golf’s biggest tournaments and becoming world No. 1.

He will end 2023 as the highest-ranked Asian golfer at world No. 11, eclipsing the likes of countrymen Im Sung-jae and Kim Si-woo and Japanese star Hideki Matsuyama.

The year was no doubt a tale of two halves for Kim, who struggled for consistent results after ramping up his ball speed. He enjoyed a couple of top-10s early in 2023 before hitting a flatline.

“Technically, my ball speed has gone up a lot from last year, so my timing is a little different,” he said.

“I needed to find new balance with my body and my swing.

“As these things improved in the second half, my results improved and I made the most progress in my short game and mentality.”

He recalled flushing a pure four-iron approach to perfection on the final hole of the US Open at Los Angeles Country Club in June, which produced a closing birdie and a career-first top-10 at a Major.

It proved to be the catalyst for a strong summer, as he went on to finish tied-sixth at the Scottish Open and runner-up at the British Open, despite playing with a sprained ankle.

He feels the biggest change for him since bursting through in 2022 with two Tour titles and delivering a memorable outing at the Presidents Cup is his mindset and mentality.

“I feel like I am a completely different person now,” Kim said.

“I have a really good team around me.

“Whenever I am hard on myself, they always give me perspective.

“I’ve seen the results of after a tough round the attitude that I go into the next day... if I have a great attitude, I always play better.

“I’ve had days when I played bad and the next day had a bad attitude and played horrible. I’ve definitely had to learn.

“Also, when I play with the best players in the world, I learn a lot, not only about golf, but also about life.”

With a base firmly established in Dallas, Kim is ready to take his career to new heights in 2024, which will include the Paris Olympic Games.

“For the first time in my life right, I’m feeling the balance of knowing where I’m playing every year and what my schedule is going to look like next year,” he said.

“I don’t need to bounce around houses or hotels, don’t need to worry about booking an Airbnb.

“I can just go back to my house and that balance in general, it’s just the biggest thing.”

• Chuah Choo Chiang is senior director, marketing & communications – APAC, for the PGA Tour and is based in Malaysia. Fans can watch the PGA Tour on Mola TV.

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Korea Championship Presented by Genesis - Five things to know presented by OCEANTEE

The DP World Tour returns to South Korea this week after a decade-long absence on its schedule as Jack Nicklaus Golf Club Korea plays host to the Korea Championship Presented by Genesis . Here are your five things to know.

Long-awaited return to Korea

Ahead of the Tour returning to mainland Europe next week for the DS Automobiles Italian Open, the Jack Nicklaus Golf Club Korea in Incheon – previously a Presidents Cup host venue – plays host to the inaugural Korea Championship. A week after Japan became the 51st different country to host a DP World Tour event, the Tour marks another significant moment with a return to South Korea after a decade-long absence on its schedule. Australian Brett Rumford was the last player to celebrate success in the country at the 2013 Ballantine’s Championship, defeating countryman Marcus Fraser and Peter Whiteford of Scotland in a play-off. This week’s US$2 million event is the first being co-sanctioned with the Korea Professional Golfers' Association and builds on the recently announced expansion of the DP World Tour and PGA TOUR’s relationship with the KPGA. “The tournament is an important part of the DP World Tour’s partnership with the KPGA, providing a clear pathway for KPGA Tour players to compete at the highest levels of men’s professional golf,” Keith Pelley, DP World Tour Chief Executive, said.

Home hopes in the field

Three-time DP World Tour winner Wang Jeunghun spearheads the contingent of Korean players in the field aiming to impress on home soil. Since his return to the DP World Tour at the start of the season after around two years away to complete his mandatory military service, he has registered top tens in Singapore and Thailand and arrives 43rd on the Race to Dubai Rankings in Partnership with Rolex. The Seoul native is joined by Kim Yeongsu, who will be making his fourth DP World Tour start since earning membership by winning 2022 Genesis Point Award on the Korea Professional Golfers' Association in 2022. Kim will have fond memories of playing at Jack Nicklaus Golf Club Korea after he claimed his very first KPGA Korean Tour title at the venue last year. As a result of winning the Genesis Championship in October, he will also gain entry into the Genesis Scottish Open, the Rolex Series event which is co-sanctioned by the DP World Tour and PGA TOUR. Two-time PGA TOUR winner and 2015 Presidents Cup International team member Bae Sangmoon will also be aiming to deliver in front of his home fans on a tournament invite. Another player under the home spotlight will be Minkyu Kim, who became the youngest winner of a European Tour group event at the age of 17 with his victory at the Challenge Tour's D+D REAL Czech Challenge in 2018.

Genesis supporting worldwide golf again

Genesis is no stranger to golf and is reaffirming its commitment to the sport this week as Presenting Partner of the event. Since the brand’s inception in 2015, the luxury car company has sponsored a range of golf tournaments in Korea and globally, including the Genesis Championship on the KPGA Korean Tour, the Genesis Invitational on the PGA TOUR, and the Presidents Cup. Last season, it also became the title sponsor of the Genesis Scottish Open, as Scotland’s national open was co-sanctioned for the first time by the DP World Tour and PGA TOUR as part of their historic Strategic Alliance.

Tour winners aiming for more success

There are no fewer than six winners on Tour so far this season in the hunt for more silverware this week. Adrian Meronk, who won his second title at the start of the campaign in Australia, is the highest-ranked player in the field. He is joined by Hero Cup teammate Antoine Rozner, who won his third career title in Mauritius in the final event of the 2022 calendar year. Matthew Baldwin celebrated his maiden DP World Tour win at the SDC Championship last month and was in the field when the Tour was last in Korea for the Ballantine’s Championship in 2013. In another great storyline so far this campaign, Marcel Siem returned to the DP World Tour winner’s circle after an eight-year wait at the Hero Indian Open, while Daniel Gavins claimed a dramatic second Tour win in Ras Al Khaimah. Jorge Campillo is the final player in the field aiming to become just the second player to win twice this season, after Ockie Strydom.

Remote production saves almost 90 tonnes of carbon emissions

The European Tour group is committed to promoting golf in an environmental and socially sustainable way, with this week’s tournament the second remote production of the 2023 DP World Tour season. Following on from last year’s Cazoo Open de France at Le Golf National, the Singapore Classic became the second such event with the support of Official DP World Tour Supplier Tata Communications. The live production crew will be working on the coverage from our London-based office rather than on site in Korea, saving 87.3 tonnes of carbon emissions. That is the equivalent of driving more than 520,00km in a diesel car and keeping almost 1,000 fridges powered for one year. The remote operation is another step in moving towards a more sustainable future of production. Last year, the European Tour group became the first professional golf Tour to announce its commitment to achieving net zero by 2040, by becoming a signatory to the United Nations Sports for Climate Action Framework.

To find out more about OCEANTEE,   click here .

Tournament Guide: Abu Dhabi Challenge

The European Challenge Tour returns to the UAE for the first time since 2018 when the Abu Dhabi Challenge takes place at Abu Dhabi Golf Club from April 27-30. Here’s everything you need to know for the week ahead.

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South Korean golfers Sungjae Im & Si Woo Kim team for win, exemption from military service

While the focus of the golf world this week was the Ryder Cup in Italy, something equally special was happening in Hangzhou, China, at the Asian Games.

South Korean golfers Si Woo Kim and Sungjae Im helped their home country win the gold medal in golf. That’s a big deal for one reason: It makes the two PGA Tour pros — Im is ranked 27th in the world while Kim is No. 40 — exempt from serving the two-year mandatory military service that is required in Korea.

Teaming with amateurs Jang Yu-bin and Cho Woo-young, Im, 25, and Kim, 28, cruised to a 25-stroke win over Thailand for the team gold medal Sunday at the West Lake International Golf Course. It was the country’s first men’s golf title in 13 years.

“This has been the longest four days of my career,” Im told reporters. “Every hole felt so important, and I knew every shot counted for our team event. I wanted to fight for every shot and do the best I could until the finish.”

All able-bodied males are obligated to serve between 18 and 21 months in the military once they turn 19. They can postpone the date of their service but without a significant cultural justification, like an Olympic medal, service is mandatory.

Seung Yul-Noh and Sang-Moon Bae are two Korean golfers who won on the PGA Tour before their mandatory service obligation but haven’t been able to regain their form after taking two years away from competition.

Only an Olympic medal, or a gold medal at the Asian Games, is worthy of an exemption in the eyes of the South Korean government. Im and Kim failed to medal at the Olympics in Japan.

Im finished runner-up in the individual portion of the event, a shot back of China’s Taichi Kho, a Notre Dame alum who primarily plays on the Asian Tour. Kim was three shots behind Im, finishing fourth place.

PGA Tour veteran Im Sung-jae eyes better performances at majors in new season

PGA Tour golfer-season

SEOUL, Jan. 3 (Yonhap) -- South Korean PGA Tour star Im Sung-jae said Wednesday he'd like to get into contention at all four major championships in the new season, with donning the coveted green jacket at the Masters in April remaining his ultimate goal.

Im is in Hawaii this week ahead of the season-opening tournament, The Sentry. As the first of eight "Signature Events" newly introduced by the tour for this season, The Sentry will feature a 59-player field comprising PGA Tour winners from last year and the top-50 finishers in the FedEx Cup standings who didn't otherwise qualify. Im didn't have a win in the 2022-2023 season but finished 24th in FedEx Cup points, on the strength of nine top-10s that tied his career high.

The Sentry will once again be played at the Plantation Course at Kapalua Resort in Maui, Hawaii, a par-73 track measuring at 7,596 yards. At his three previous appearances at the course, Im tied for fifth, tied for eighth and tied for 13th.

"I've played well on this course and I have a lot of fond memories here," Im said during an online press conference with South Korean media Wednesday. Im has a scoring average of 67.67 strokes at the Plantation Course. "I always have confidence playing at this tournament. I think I can do even better this year than in the past."

Im, one of four South Koreans in the field this week, said the Plantation Course isn't particularly long and without strong winds in Hawaii, the course will be there for the taking.

"Greens aren't that fast here, and you can give yourself many birdie opportunities if you can get the right distances with your approach shots," Im said. "There will always be low scores here. I don't think there is one difficult hole on this course."

Im allowed himself to look past this week and toward April, when the Masters, the first of four majors, will take place.

Both of Im's two career top-10s at a major have come at the Masters, where he tied for second in 2020 and tied for eighth in 2022. He hasn't come close to contending at the PGA Championship, the U.S. Open and the Open Championship.

Im said he will try to post top-10 finishes at those three other majors, but nothing will top winning the Masters.

"The Masters will always be the No. 1 major in my heart," Im said with a smile. "Ever since I first watched the Masters on television as a kid, I've dreamed of playing at Augusta National and putting on the green jacket. Playing at Augusta just feels different than playing at other majors. I've finished in second place once, and I'd love to be in contention there again."

With the PGA Tour returning to the calendar-year schedule after a decade of playing a wraparound schedule, Im said it was imperative to get off to hit the ground running in January.

"If I can accumulate enough FedEx Cup points early in the season, then I will be able to conserve myself a bit toward the end," Im said, adding that he will try to qualify for his sixth consecutive Tour Championship, an exclusive, season-ending event open only to the top 30 players in the FedEx Cup standings at the end of the playoffs.

To that end, Im spent about two months working on his driving in South Korea. He said he tried to increase his swing speed with the driver, hoping to add some distance off the tee and to take advantage of wide fairways when he sees them.

Last season, Im ranked 110th on the tour with 299.3 yards in average driving distance, slightly below average and down from a career-high 300.5 yards in the 2019-2020 season.

Im, one of the tour's most dedicated workhorses who rarely takes extended time off during a season, said he savored some homecooking and quality time with friends at home over the winter.

"It was just so nice being in Korea, eating all that food and having the kind of time with friends that I can't have in the United States," Im said. "I came back with so many good memories."

In the middle of his prime at age 25, the 2018-2019 PGA Tour Rookie of the Year said he sees himself playing on the tour for the rest of his career, instead of taking a lump sum of cash to play on the Saudi Arabia-backed LIV Golf.

"Even if I have an offer coming my way, I will have zero interest," Im said of the breakaway circuit that has lured some of the biggest names in men's golf. "I think I will be playing here until I get old."

Most recently, Jon Rahm, former world No. 1 and two-time major champion, bolted for LIV Golf. Rahm joined the likes of Dustin Johnson, Brooks Koepka and Phil Mickelson, all major winners.

"Players make their own decisions," Im said. "It's really not for me to comment on their choices."

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All On The Line

Two South Korean golfers will play these Olympics with everything to lose

Golfing pressure comes in two forms. The first is opportunity pressure . This occurs when a player is at the doorstep of an accomplishment, perhaps a life-changing one. A chance to beat Pop for the first time. A 15-footer to win a PGA Tour event. These are good nerves. Any competitive golfer worth a damn relishes these situations. They’re what you practice for.

The second type of pressure, a bit darker in nature, ​mostly​ plagues those brave souls who play this game for a living. No sane person dreams of avoidance pressure . These are the putts you absolutely, positively need to make, for a miss brings real-life consequences. Having to make birdie to keep your Tour card for another season. Needing a back-nine push to get to the final stage of Q-School and avoid another year of Monday’s and mini-tours.

Sungjae Im hasn’t dealt with much avoidance pressure of late. The 23-year-old won the first Korn Ferry Tour event he ever played in, back in January 2018, then finished solo second the next week to guarantee a PGA Tour card for the following year. He earned a reputation as golf’s road warrior by playing 35 events in his rookie season—and doing so without a home base in the U.S., living out of a suitcase—made it to the Tour Championship and won ​R​ookie of the ​Y​ear. He breezed onto the Presidents Cup team at Royal Melbourne and won his first Tour event two months later with a macho finish at the Honda Classic. A runner-up at last fall’s Masters brought him inside the world’s top 20 and firmly established Im as one of the game’s top young stars.

Si Woo Kim, 26, has enjoyed similar professional comfort ever since he won twice on the PGA Tour as a 21-year-old. The second of those victories made him the youngest-ever winner of the Players Championship in 2017, locked up his Tour card for five years and put $1.89 million in his pocket. He hasn’t quite blossomed into a perennial contender, but he did add a third career victory at The American Express in January and recently surpassed $14 million in career earnings. He’s more than fine.

In the pyramid of professional golf, these two 20-somethings enjoy the view from tip-top. Their careers are the envy of countless grinders out there clawing for a breakthrough. And yet, in the eyes of the South Korean government, Im and Kim are but two able-bodied men with an unpaid debt to their country.

More on Olympic golf

This week, both Im and Kim will be reunited with avoidance pressure of the highest order. In anticipation of perhaps the most important tournament of their lives, both men took the extraordinary step of skipping the Open Championship to devote their entire focus to the Olympics. Can you blame them? A medal would exempt them from mandatory military service. A fourth-place finish or worse—well, they’d prefer not to think about that.

To understand the origin of all this, we’ll need a brief history lesson. Some geography, too. Seoul is the capital of South Korea, a city of roughly 10 million people that boasts the fourth-largest metropolitan economy in the world (behind Tokyo, New York, Los Angeles, for those curious). It lies 35 miles south of the Korean Demilitarized Zone, a 2.5 mile-wide strip that serves as a buffer between highly developed South Korea and totalitarian North Korea. The nations are, at least technically, still at war.

At the conclusion of World War II, the United States and the Soviet Union divided up Korea—which was, until then, a single political entity under Japanese colonial rule—into two countries, split by the 38 th parallel. The communist North would live inside the Soviet sphere of influence; the South, including Seoul, would fall in the U.S.’ occupation zone. This arrangement was only set to last for five years before an eventual reunification. But as the wartime alliance between the U.S. and Soviets devolved into a bitter rivalry, the agreement fell through, and the North’s invasion of the South in 1950 marked the first armed conflict of the Cold War. After three years of bitter fighting resulted in a stalemate, the two sides agreed on an armistice but never formally drafted a treaty. Thus, the conflict remains ongoing, and despite recent signs of a potential détente, fears of re-escalation continue to loom large in the collective South Korean psyche.

In the absence of a formal treaty with North Korea, South Korea has mandated military service for all able-bodied men to esnure the country is defended.

Chung Sung-Jun

“Think of the distance between Brooklyn, New York, and Newark, New Jersey,” says professor Hwansoo Kim, chair of the Council on East Asian Studies at Yale University. “And then think of 30,000 cannons facing Brooklyn. In one second, they could be launched. Imagine the level of damage that might occur if war broke out. That’s the level of danger. It’s not far away. The entire weaponry of North Korea was placed toward Seoul to potentially maximize human casualties. In that context, a draft system has been required and mandatory to protect the country from any possible invasion.”

Article 39 of the South Korean constitution, ratified in July 1948, states that “all citizens shall have the duty of national defense under the conditions as prescribed by Act.” It wasn’t implemented until 1957, four years after the armistice, and states that compulsory military service would be required for all men upon turning 19 years old. The service can be delayed for legitimate reasons, such as working or studying abroad, and while the complicated rules differ for men of certain citizenship/resident statuses, all must eventually enlist by their mid 30’s. For some, it’s much sooner than that. Failure to do so can result in jail time or, for those abroad, a loss of citizenship and a ban from returning. Unlike some other nations with mandatory military service, such as Israel, women are not required to serve but can do so voluntarily. The length of the service has decreased over time, from 36 months originally to now, when it ranges between 18 and 21 months depending on the branch of the military. According to a 2018 article from the New York Times , roughly 230,000 men enlist each year, forming a large portion of the standing army of roughly 550,000.

“No young man wants to serve, really,” says Hwansoo Kim. “None of them want to spend two years out of their lives in quarantine, really. They are definitely against it. But at the same time, they accept it as fate. There is a hatred of this whole system, but at the same time, it’s a rite of passage. You have to do it. You cannot avoid it.”

Kim, a former Buddhist monk, described his own time in the military as a “traumatic, memorable and transformative experience.” Alexander Suh, a Chicago-born Korean national who served voluntarily to preserve an option to live and work in South Korea, paints a similarly stark picture.

“We had vacation days, but other than those, you’re not really allowed off base,” says Suh, now a corporate lawyer in New York. “It’s very different from the U.S. military. We weren’t allowed to have phones. You couldn’t just leave.

“I slept in a room with just a ton of bunk beds. I think that was the case pretty much everywhere. They’ve been trying to renovate and give people actual mattresses. We had these portable ones that you pulled out. Most people just felt like they didn’t have a choice. I would look toward the future and think about studying for the LSAT while I was in the military. I would just think about once I got out. That’s a big problem facing Korean military—morale.”

It’s an experience all South Korean men go through—unless you’re one of a very, very select few. The South Korean government considers a very narrow set of accomplishments sufficient to “enhance national prestige” and thus exempt a citizen from military service. The first exemptions were introduced in 1973 by president Park Chung-hee, who promised an exemption to any athlete who medaled in the 1976 Olympic ​G​ames. Shortly thereafter, the criteria expanded to include a gold medal at the Asian Games, also held every four years. At present, those remain the only two avenues for an athlete to exempt himself from military service. There was, however, an exception made for the national soccer team at the 2002 World Cup, which was co-hosted by South Korea and Japan. Prior to the tournament, president Kim Dae-jung vowed to give exemptions to the entire team should they reach the round of 16. The “Reds” overachieved considerably and made it to the semifinal before losing to Germany. Twenty-three men received two years of their life back. ​Another exception was made for the national team at the inaugural World Baseball Classic​ in 2006​, where only a semifinal berth would be good enough. They cleared that bar, finishing third.

Members of the 2002 South Korean national soccer team were among the few athletes to earn exemption from military service due to a strong showing in the World Cup.

Andreas Rentz

A number of South Korea’s top athletes have earned their exemptions more conventionally. Heung-Min Son, a striker for Tottenham Hotspur, got his by guiding the national team to a 2-1 overtime victory in the gold medal match of the 2018 Asian Games. Hyeon Chung, the first South Korean tennis player to reach a Grand Slam semifinal, took gold in the 2014 Asian ​G​ames. And while more classically trained artists and musicians have received exemptions, members of BTS, the best-selling music group in the country’s history—and perhaps the world’s most popular band at present—only received permission to have their service delayed, rather than exempted, when a new law passed in December 2020.

“It's not like the government is unwilling to make exceptions—it’s that Koreans in general want fairness,” says Hwansoo Kim. “If my son has to serve, it doesn’t matter how powerful you are. How famous you are. You have to follow the same rule, or the entire system will collapse. That sentiment is very deep among people in South Korea.

“If someone tries to skirt their duty or get out of it—if that becomes public knowledge, that person’s reputation is in danger. There would be genuine hatred. That person wouldn’t deserve to be a political leader or even a leader in Korean society.”

Consider the saga of Steve Seung Jun Yoo, a popular pop singer in the late 1990s. In 2002, just before he was set to be drafted into the service, Yoo obtained U.S. citizenship. The South Korean government considered this an act of desertion and banned him from entering the nation of his birth. For life.

South Korea’s two most famous male golfers both did their time, albeit before they established themselves as top-level professionals. K.J. Choi didn’t turn pro until the age of 24, after he fulfilled his military duties, and didn’t play in a PGA Tour event until he was 28. Despite the late start, Choi would go on to win eight PGA Tour events, reach No. 5 in the world and ranks 34 th all-time in career earnings with more than $32 million. Y.E. Yang, who stared down Tiger Woods at the 2009 PGA Championship to become the country’s only male major winner, enlisted in 1993 at ag​e​ 21.

Y.E. Yang (pictured) and K.J. Choi both served in the military before their professional golf careers.

Icon Sports Wire

The most recent Korean winner on the PGA Tour, K.H. Lee, was part of the gold-medal winning golf team at the 2010 Asian Games and is exempted. Sung Kang, winner of the 2019 AT&T Byron Nelson, won his Asian Games gold in 2006. Other Korean-born players have avoided military service by national association rather than on-course achievements. Charlie Wi moved to the United States as a 10-year-old and obtained his green card shortly thereafter, which allowed him to skip military service while still keeping his Korean citizenship. Wi played under the Korean flag for the duration of his 10-plus years on the PGA Tour, which included five runner-up finishes. He did, however, have to limit his time spent South Korea so as not to trigger a rule that would trump his green-card status.

“Until I turned 35 years old, I could not be in Korea for more than six months a year,” Wi says. “When I was playing the Asian Tour, I had to really be careful to make sure I didn’t spend t oo much time there. I didn’t feel a duty to serve because I didn’t see myself—I am Korean, but I lived in the U.S. full time since I was a kid.”

Kevin Na, a five-time winner on Tour, spent the first eight years of his life in Seoul before his family emigrated to Southern California. He became a U.S. citizen upon turning 18, which resulted in him losing his Korean citizenship and thus not having to serve.

“(South Korea) doesn’t like making exemptions or giving special treatment to athletes or celebrities,” Na says, pointing out that he was planning to play the Korean Open but would’ve had to miss the U.S. Open due to a non-negotiable quarantine requirement. “Would it be nice to not go all the way, but find some kind of middle ground where it benefits both sides but you’re not setting a bad example? That’d be nice.

“When you win a major, would you be exempt? That hasn’t happened yet. I think you should be exempt. I think you’ve done, what that does for your country in the golf world is pretty big. Look what it did in Japan for Hideki. I think it would be pretty close for that. If a guy wins a major, I’m all for it. Exempt the guy. Those two years, what he could be doing representing your country, give him an exemption. He deserves it.”

While that situation—a South Korean man who has not served, winning a major championship—indeed has not played out, one thing is clear: as far as the military goes, PGA Tour wins don’t mean squat. Sangmoon Bae won two PGA Tour events in a 17-month stretch from May 2013 to October 2014. That run of form, plus a buttery swing that suggested top-10-in-the-world potential, earned him a captain’s pick into the 2015 Presidents Cup, played on home soil in Incheon. Bae played a central role in the drama that week, going undefeated in three team sessions before International Team captain Nick Price put him out last in the singles session. Needing to win the last hole to halve the Presidents Cup, Bae bungled the 18 th to lose the decisive point to Bill Haas. It would be the last tournament he played for 23 months.

Bae, like Wi, held a U.S. green card. But unlike Wi, he miscalculated how much time he’d spent in his homeland—roughly 100 days in 2014, according to the Daegu District Court—and earned significant money playing events in South Korea, which disqualified him from an overseas resident permit that would have delayed his service.

"The plaintiff is not supposed to determine when to serve his time arbitrarily," the court said in its decision. "If he gets the privilege just because he is an excellent athlete who could make a fortune during his prime, it could demoralize everyone who does not have the privilege."

Rather than fight the decision, Bae accepted his fate and enlisted in November 2015.

"From the ruling, I learned that it is more of a priority for me to fulfill my duty as a Korean than to do my job as a golfer," he said, clearly wanting to avoid the much-maligned Draft Dodger label.

Since returning from his obligatory military service, Sangmoon Bae has not been the same player.

Dylan Buell

Then 28 and very much able-bodied, Bae became a private first-class in the 36 th infantry division of the Korean army. This wasn’t a clerical gig, eighter; Bae served as a rifleman. He operated machine guns, wore the uniform, marched in formation and slept in the barracks. ESPN’s Gene Wojciechowski traveled to South Korea to visit Bae for a video essay that aired before the 2016 Masters, which Bae qualified for by reaching the Tour Championship. In the piece, Wojciechowski reports Bae’s salary as $2,000 per year, a stark contrast from the $2.6 million he made during the prior PGA Tour season.

“I had a colorful life as a golfer before,” Bae told ESPN, “and it was a really hard decision for me because I had to leave all that behind. But, ultimately, my goal is to become a respected golfer in Korea, and I believe it was necessary for me to enlist in the army. And, so far, I believe I made the right choice.”

Bae was discharged in August 2017 and returned to professional golf shortly thereafter on a “Mandatory Obligation” exemption, which the Tour created for the special circumstance. It essentially functioned as a Major Medical exemption, giving the player a certain amount of starts upon his return to earn a certain amount of FedEx Cup points and keep status.

“That’s one of the hardest parts,” says Wi, “is that when you get back you’re basically on a major medical. You don’t get those reps in Triple A to get your game back. You have to right to the big leagues.”

“It’s not the same,” says Kevin Na. “You can practice all you want, but if you don’t play in competition, you will get rusty. The two guys that have gone to serve, they haven’t been the same.”

Bae missed the cut in seven of his first eight PGA Tour starts back but his Mandatory Obligation exemption got him a spot into the Korn Ferry Tour finals. He won the third of the four finals events to guarantee full PGA Tour status for the 2018-19 season, but missed 14 of 22 cuts that campaign to lose his card. He’s fallen further since—with one finish better than T-57 in 10 starts on the Korn Ferry Tour this year, he​'s now​ 933 rd in the world ranking.

Just after Bae left the service, another promising young South Korean player entered it. Seung-yul Noh, winner of the 2014 Zurich Classic of New Orleans, left the PGA Tour in 2017 to fulfill his duty as a South Korean man. In contrast to Bae’s experience, Noh secured a position in a more “civil service” type role—he lived at home and worked a 9-to-5 type gig during the week, which multiple sources described to Golf Digest as “pushing papers.” He was free to practice golf on the weekends. Since coming back to professional golf in 2019, Noh has split his time between playing in the U.S. and in Korea; in 14 starts on the PGA Tour since returning, he has nine missed cuts, two withdrawals and one finish better than T-54.

Another PGA Tour candidate for service would seem to be Byeong Hun-An, who was born in Seoul but moved to Florida in 2005 to attend the David Leadbetter A cademy. An’s father, Ahn Jae-hyung, won bronze in doubles table tennis at the 1988 Summer Olympics to receive his exemption. His son, the golfer, qualified for the 2016 Olympics but finished T-11, seven shots back of that precious medal. Now 29, the clock is ticking.

“I’m enjoying my life right now with my family,” An says, a bit jumpy upon being reminded of potentially leaving behind Tour life for barracks life. “My plan is to keep my card this year. I haven’t thought about it yet. We’ll see. Just gotta play well next week, every week. That’s my focus for now.”

Golf at the Asian Games is limited to amateurs, and Si Woo Kim and Sungjae Im’s golfing timelines didn’t line up with making the South Korean national team at the right time. Kim turned pro at 17 in 2012, bisecting the 2010 and 2014 ​G​ames. His decision paid off immediately when he became the youngest player to ever receive his PGA Tour card through Q-School later that year. (He actually had to wait until mid-2013 to join the tour, as rules prohibited anyone under the age of 18 from being a member). Im was not selected to make the team in 2014 and turned pro a year later, also as a 17-year-old.

Matt Sullivan

As such, both remain on the clock. At 23, Im could have two cracks at earning his exemption. But given the fleeting nature of golfing greatness, there’s no guarantee he’ll qualify for the 2024 Games in Paris and be in good enough form for a medal. His play has been solid if a bit disappointing this year, having made 21 of 25 cuts but posting just three top 10s and, more pertinently, zero top-threes. Kim’s situation is a bit more dire—he’ll be 29 by the time the next Olympics roll around. With just one top 10 in his last 12 starts, he’ll need to recapture the magic from Palm Springs if he’s to have any chance of medaling.

“Well, I would say if we're fighting for fourth and third place, I'm open for bribing if he needs me to make a three-putt on the last hole,” joked world No. 1 Jon Rahm, who was incredulous upon hearing the medal-for-exemption situation at the PGA Championship. “We can always talk about it. I like Korean food. We can always talk about it.”

For Im and Kim, it’s the furthest thing from a joking matter. Having to serve wouldn’t only cost them two years of prime earnings; it would mean trading in the freedom of traveling around the country playing the PGA Tour for the rude shrieks of an alarm clock. Going from having a team hanging on your every word to taking orders from someone you’ve never met. But all that, at least, has a time limit. There is a definitive end. The true test, as Sangmoon Bae and Seung-yul Noh know all too well, comes after you complete this Korean rit​e​ of passage: can you, after all that time off, become the golfer you once were?

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Here are the winningest south korean players in lpga history, share this article.

Seri Pak’s success in 1998 changed women’s golf in profound ways. Pak was the only South Korean player on the LPGA when she won two majors that season. A decade later, more than 40 South Koreans had LPGA cards, and the phenomenon soon spread throughout Asia.

Pak, however, wasn’t the first South Korean to win on the LPGA. That bit of history belongs to Ok-Hee Ku, who won the 1988 Standard Register Turquoise Classic. Woo-Soon Ko, a South Korean who never became an LPGA member, won the Toray Japan Queens Cup, a co-sanctioned event, in 1994 and 1995.

Pak was the third Korean-born player to win on the LPGA and the first to win a major. It’s only fitting that the sporting icon now has her own namesake event on the LPGA in the Fir Hills Seri Pak Championship, which kicks off this week in California at Palos Verdes Golf Club. (Pak, who went by Se Ri during her LPGA career, is now going by Seri.)

A total of 49 South Korean players have won a combined 220 LPGA titles. Here are the winningest South Korean players in LPGA history:     

Seri Pak – 25

Se Ri Pak during first-round play in the Michelob Ultra Open at Kingsmill Golf Club. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports Copyright © 2007 Geoff Burke

While Pak’s 1998 U.S. Women’s Open Championship gets all the attention, her first title actually came just a couple months prior at the McDonald’s LPGA Championship. Pak’s 25 LPGA victories include five majors. She became the first South Korean to qualify for the LPGA Hall of Fame in 2007 and was inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame that same year. Pak retired from the tour in 2016 after playing one round on home soil at the LPGA KEB Hana Bank Championship. 

Inbee Park – 21

Inbee Park hoists the U.S. Women’s Open trophy after her victory at Sebonack in 2013.

A seven-time major winner, Park won the first three majors of the calendar season in 2013, with her streak coming to an end at the Old Course, where she tied for 42nd at the Ricoh Women’s British Open. Park qualified for the LPGA Hall of Fame in 2016, the same year she won the gold medal at the Summer Olympics. Park hasn’t competed on tour since giving birth to her daughter in April 2023. 

Jin Young Ko – 15

Jin Young Ko lines up a putt on the eighteenth green during a playoff hole against Megan Khang at the end of the final round of the CPKC Women’s Open golf tournament at Shaughnessy Golf & Country Club. Mandatory Credit: Bob Frid-USA TODAY Sports

Despite being riddled with injuries during the course of her short LPGA career, Ko has managed to win 15 times since joining the tour in 2018. A two-time LPGA Player of the Year and two-time major champion, Ko’s consistency made headlines when she went 114 holes without a bogey in 2019, breaking a record set by Tiger Woods. 

Sei Young Kim – 12

Sei Young Kim tees off on the sixth hole during the final round of the CPKC Women’s Open golf tournament at Shaughnessy Golf & Country Club. Mandatory Credit: Bob Frid-USA TODAY Sports

Kim won her first LPGA title in 2015, amassing 12 titles over the span of six seasons. She shed the best player without a major moniker at the 2020 KPMG Women’s PGA at Aronimink. She’s also a third-degree black belt in Taekwondo.

Jiyai Shin - 11

Jiyai Shin won the Evian Masters on July 25.

Few players in the modern game have been as globally successful as Shin. A 21-time winner on the Korean LPGA, Shin joined the LPGA in 2009 after winning three times as a non-member the year prior. The two-time major champion then left the LPGA in 2014 and took up membership on the JLPGA to be closer to family. She has won 30 times in Japan, giving her 64 titles worldwide. 

Na Yeon Choi - 9

Na Yeon Choi of South Korea, tees off on the first hole, during day one of the Swinging Skirts World Ladies Masters at Miramar Golf & Country Club on December 6, 2013 in Taipei, Taiwan. (Photo by Gareth Gay/Getty Images)

Fourteen years after Pak hoisted the trophy at Blackwolf Run, Choi did the same in Wisconsin when she won the 2012 U.S. Women’s Open by four strokes. Choi, who joined the LPGA in 2008, retired two years ago and went out with a bang, winning a BMW New X7 with a weekend ace at the BMW Ladies Championship. 

Mi Hyun Kim - 8

Mi Hyun Kim of Korea plays the 1st hole, during the Evian Masters women’s golf tournament in Evian, eastern France, Thusday, July 27, 2006.

The petite Kim, known as “Peanut,” joined the LPGA in 1999 on the heels of Pak’s success. She donated $100,000 of her 2007 SemGroup Championship winner’s check to victims of a devastating tornado in Greensburg, Kansas. She’d never been to Kansas. 

In-Kyung Kim - 7

In-Kyung Kim of South Korea holds the trophy after her victory during the final round of the Ricoh Women’s British Open at Kingsbarns Golf Links, on August 6, 2017 in Kingsbarns, Scotland. (Photo by David Cannon/Getty Images)

Most known for a devastating one-foot miss at Mission Hills that cost her a major championship title, the petite Kim clawed her way back to win the 2017 Ricoh Women’s British Open. Kim has played a limited LPGA schedule since 2020.

Sung Hyun Park - 7

Sung Hyun Park of Korea poses with the trophy after the final round of the U.S. Women’s Open on July 16, 2017 at Trump National Golf Club in Bedminster, New Jersey. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)

Park took the golf world by storm when she became the first player since Nancy Lopez to win both LPGA Rookie of the Year and Player of the Year honors in the same season in 2017. A two-time major winner, Park’s nosedive down the rankings came as quickly as her ascension. The former No. 1 is currently ranked 251st. 

Hee-Won Han - 6

Hee-Won Han winner of the 2006 Corning Classic at the Corning Country Club in Corning, NY on Sunday, May 28, 2006. (Photo by S. Levin/Getty Images)

The 2001 Louise Suggs Rolex Rookie of the Year was one of the few South Korean players to continue playing the LPGA as a mom. Han’s husband, a retired baseball player, worked as a commentator back in South Korea. Han won six times from 2003 to 2006 and retired a decade ago. 

Grace Park - 6

Grace Park of the United States watches her drive during the first round of the Evian Masters golf tournament played in Evian, eastern France, Wednesday June 12, 2002.

After a highly-decorated amateur career in the U.S., the South Korean-born Park won her first LPGA title as a rookie in 2000. All six of her victories, including one major, came in her first five years on tour. She retired in 2012 after dealing with a number of nagging injuries. 

So Yeon Ryu - 6

So Yeon Ryu during a practice round ahead of the 2020 U.S. Women’s Open at Champions Golf Club in Houston. (Photo: Robert Beck/USGA)

Like several women on this list, Ryu’s breakout moment came 13 years ago at a U.S. Women’s Open when she defeated Hee-Kyung Seo in a three-hole playoff. Ryu’s second major title would prove even more dramatic when she defeated Lexi Thompson in overtime after the popular American endured a highly controversial four-stroke penalty on the back nine Sunday. 

Eun-Hee Ji - 6

Eun-Hee Ji of South Korea poses for a photo while holding the trophy on the 18th green after winning the Swinging Skirts LPGA Taiwan Championship on October 22, 2017 in Taipei, Taiwan. (Photo by Power Sport Images/Getty Images)

Ji, 37, won her first LPGA title in 2008 and her latest in 2022. The 2009 U.S. Women’s Open winner drained a 20-foot birdie putt on the 72nd hole to clip Cristie Kerr.  Nicknamed “Mickey Mouse” because of her smile.

Hyo Joo Kim - 6

Hyo Joo Kim of South Korea poses with the winner’s trophy after winning the HSBC Women’s World Championship at Sentosa Golf Club on May 02, 2021 in Singapore. (Photo by Yong Teck Lim/Getty Images)

Kim recorded the lowest round in a major, 61, as a teenager, en route to victory at the 2014 Evian Championship. It was her first major championship appearance. She lost the 2018 U.S. Women’s Open in a playoff against Ariya Jutanugarn. 

Ha Na Jang - 5

Ha Na Jang of South Korea reacts after driving the ball on the 6th tee box during the second round at Priddis Greens Golf and Country Club. Mandatory Credit: Eric Bolte-USA TODAY Sports

The demonstrative Jang delighted LPGA fans with four titles in two seasons and then took everyone by surprise when she abruptly left and returned to the KLPGA in 2017. She’d win again on the LPGA two years later at a co-sanctioned event in South Korea. Jang, who said she left the LPGA to be closer to family, has 15 titles on the KLPGA.

Amy Yang - 5

Amy Yang of Korea poses with the CME Globe trophy after winning the CME Group Tour Championship at Tiburon Golf Club on November 19, 2023 in Naples, Florida. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)

Yang won her first title on U.S. soil last November at the CME Group Tour Championship, ending a four-year drought. With 21 top-10 finishes in the majors, she remains one of the best players not to win one.

Mi Jung Hur - 4

Mi Jung Hur poses with the winner’s trophy while wearing the winner’s wreath after winning the Indy Women in Tech Championship golf tournament, Sunday, Sept. 29, 2019, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/R Brent Smith)

Hur last won on the LPGA in 2019 and last competed on tour in 2021. She gave birth to a son, Ji-An Wang, in 2022.

Mirim Lee - 4

Mirim Lee of South Korea poses with the trophy after defeating Nelly Korda and Brooke Henderson in a playoff to win the ANA Inspiration at the Dinah Shore course at Mission Hills Country Club on September 13, 2020 in Rancho Mirage, California. (Photo by Jeff Gross/Getty Images)

Lee’s crowning achievement on the LPGA came at the 2020 ANA Inspiration when she chipped in for eagle on the 72nd hole to get into a playoff. She won on the first extra hole with birdie. Lee competed only once last year – at the U.S. Women’s Open. 

Seon Hwa Lee - 4

Seon Hwa Lee during the final round of the Jamie Farr Owens Corning Classic at Highland Meadows Golf Club. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports

Lee won four times between 2006 and 2008. The 2006 Louise Suggs Rookie of the Year turned professional at age 14, making her the youngest South Korean female pro at the time. Lee last competed on tour in 2015. 

In Gee Chun - 4

In Gee Chun celebrates with the championship trophy after winning the 2022 KPMG Women’s PGA Championship at Congressional Country Club in Bethesda, Maryland. (Photo: Elsa/Getty Images)

A three-time major winner, the player known as “Dumbo” burst onto the scene in 2015 with her victory at the U.S. Women’s Open at Lancaster Country Club. Chun’s affection for Lancaster was so great, that she started the In Gee Chun Lancaster Country Club Educational Foundation, which awards educational scholarships to those in the community. 

Chun has won three different major titles.

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Rory McIlroy on expected return to PGA Tour policy board: 'I don't think there's been much progress made'

Mcilroy cannot confirm whether he is on his way back to the board, but he does have plenty of motivation to make that move.

Rory McIlroy appears to be on his way back ... to the PGA Tour policy board. McIlroy left the board in 2023, when he was replaced by Jordan Spieth, but there has been a groundswell of support of late to have him rejoin one of the organization's governing bodies.

Webb Simpson recently voiced support for his seats going to McIlroy; Simpson is a member of the policy board and PGA Tour Enterprises board as a player advisor. Though unable to confirm such a move, McIlroy on Wednesday at the 2024 Zurich Classic did address the rumors as  reported by the Guardian .

"I think I can be helpful," said McIlroy while answering a hypothetical question about rejoining the board. "I don't think there's been much progress made in the last eight months, and I was hopeful that there would be. I think I could be helpful to the process ... but only if people want me involved, I guess.

"When Webb and I talked, and he talked about potentially coming off the board, I said, 'Look, if it was something that other people wanted, I would gladly take that seat.' And that was the conversation that we had.

"... That's the whole reason. I feel like I can be helpful. I feel like I care a lot, and I have some pretty good experience and good connections within the game and sort of around the wider sort of ecosystem and everything that's going on. At the end of the day, it's not quite up to me to just come back on the board. There's a process that has to be followed, but I'm willing to do it if that's what people want, I guess."

This would be a meaningful move for all parties.

McIlroy was vocal during his prior tenure on the board, constantly battling threats from LIV Golf while fighting for the existence of the PGA Tour. Last summer, he said he felt like a "sacrificial lamb" when commissioner Jay Monahan appeared to reach an agreement with Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund that sought to eventually merge interests between the PGA Tour and LIV Golf.

Then McIlroy suddenly resigned from the board in November.

"I just felt like something had to give," McIlroy said at the time. "I just didn't feel like I could commit the time and the energy into doing that. I don't mind being busy, but I just like being busy doing my own stuff. Something had to give and there's guys that are on that board that are spending a lot more time and a lot more energy on it than I am."

Other current player directors alongside Simpson and Spieth are Tiger Woods, Patrick Cantlay, Peter Malnati and Adam Scott. All six are on the PGA Tour policy board and the board of the new for-profit PGA Tour Enterprises, which just received an investment of up to $3 billion from Strategic Sports Group. 

These active players are joined on the PGA Tour Enterprises board by former player Joe Olgivie and six other members, including Monahan, four representatives from SSG and Valero chairman Joe Gorder.

McIlroy has been an interesting voice since resigning from the board last fall. He has spoken often about what world tour might look like, something that would only be possible with a consummation of the Tour's proposed deal with the PIF (in which the fund would ostensibly make a similar investment to SSG and resume a combining of the leagues' interests).

"I think it's all pie-in-the-sky stuff," McIlroy said in February. "I think there has to be a component of the southern hemisphere: Australia, South Africa. There obviously has to be a component of the Far East, whether that be Korea, Japan, China. Obviously the Middle East as well. We've been going to the Middle East for a long time, but obviously Dubai, Saudi, and then sort of working our way from East to West and back into the United States for the sort of spring, summertime. 

"I don't think it will look too dissimilar to what it is right now, but maybe the front end of the year and the back end of the year might look a little different. I don't think we need to blow everything up, but there definitely needs to be some tweaks."

McIlroy, who has voiced that he's OK with LIV players returning to the PGA Tour with no punishment -- for the health of the game overall -- and constantly preached unification, also distanced himself a bit from Spieth and others in February. He left a group chat of other top players, instead holding a discussion with Spieth about the need for the Tour to finalize its deal with the PIF and bring the entire golf world back together. At the time, McIlroy described the conversation with Spieth as "frank."  

Rory also addressed his differences with other board members on Wednesday.

"[I would manage those differences through] compromise but also try to articulate your points as well as you can and try to help people see the benefits of what unification could do for the game and what it could do for this tour in particular," he said. "We obviously realize the game is not unified right now for a reason, and there's still some hard feelings and things that need to be addressed, but I think at this point for the good of the game, we all need to put those feelings aside and all move forward together."

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PGA Tour Players React to Nelly Korda’s Success

Jeongeun lee5 aces 18th hole on thursday at jm eagle la championship presented by plastpro.

• Nelly Korda

Nelly Korda’s five consecutive LPGA Tour victories have taken the golf world by storm in recent weeks, even catching the eye of some of her male counterparts on the PGA Tour. Take a look at what they had to say about the Rolex Women’s World Golf Rankings No. 1’s success over the past few months.

Scottie Scheffler

“One of the people here asked me, is this turning into a competition between you and Nelly, and I was like, I don't know, man. I think if it's a competition, she's got me pretty beat right now. Five wins in a row. She had that T16 at the beginning of the year, which was just terrible. I can't believe she did that. It's pretty special stuff. To win four times in a row and then show up at a major championship and win is extremely impressive. I'm extremely happy for her. I think we've all seen the golf swing. I wish I could see it more in person, but we don't really run into them too much outside of some TaylorMade shoots and stuff like that. Some great golf, some historic stuff, and hopefully she keeps it up.”

“She finished T16 in her first event this year and the other five she's won. I don't know if I can quite relate to that. That's some pretty serious golf. I'm extremely happy for her and proud of her. That's some pretty special stuff. It's been a treat to watch.”

Billy Horschel

“I had a three-week stretch where I finished second, first, first, and I thought I was something special at that time, but what Nelly and Scottie are doing is unreal. I can't imagine that. And over a period of time, not just five weeks in a row, they've done over six, seven, eight weeks. It's unreal golf. To think about who they're playing against in today's generation of more talented players and doing what they're still doing, I'd say we're not going to see anything like that again, but I'm sure we will. You have to stand up and applaud them because it's pretty special. As a golf fan, I'm just lucky to be able to see that because, at the end of the day, I'm a golf fan at heart.”

J.T. Poston

“I don't know her personally, but five in a row is pretty impressive, and that was a major (Sunday), right; is that correct? That's pretty impressive. Obviously, what Scottie has been doing has been pretty impressive, and for her to reel off five in a row, that's hard to fathom.”

Wyndham Clark

“To win five in a row is amazing. Especially one being a major that she just won. Kudos to her. She's playing amazing and clearly the best female in the world.”

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TV Times: How to Watch the Zurich Classic, LPGA in L.A., LIV Golf Adelaide

Here is how to watch the PGA Tour, LPGA Tour, LIV Golf, DP World Tour, Korn Ferry Tour and PGA Tour Champions every week.

• Author: John Schwarb

PGA Tour: Zurich Classic of New Orleans

Site: Avondale, Louisiana.

Course: TPC Louisiana. Yardage: 7,425. Par: 72.

Field: 80 two-man teams .

Prize money: $8.9 million. Winner’s share: $1.286 million for each player.

Television: Thursday-Friday, 3:30-6:30 p.m. (Golf Channel); Saturday-Sunday, 1-3 p.m. (Golf Channel), 3-6 p.m. (CBS).

Defending champions: Davis Riley and Nick Hardy.

FedEx Cup leader: Scottie Scheffler.

Last week: Scottie Scheffler won the RBC Heritage.

Notes: This is the PGA Tour’s only team event, with two rounds of fourballs and two rounds of foursomes. ... The winners do not get world ranking points or a Masters invitation. ... Rory McIlroy is playing for the first time, partnering with Shane Lowry. Friends since their youth, they have played only one Ryder Cup match together. ... The field includes three sets of brothers, two of them twins — Parker and Pierceson Coody, and Rasmus and Nicolai Hojgaard. The other set is Matt and Alex Fitzpatrick. ... Patrick Cantlay and Xander Schauffele are the only team where both players are ranked in the top 10. They won the Zurich Classic two years ago. ... Ryder Cup captain Luke Donald is playing with Francesco Molinari, one of his assistant captains in Rome. ... Steve Stricker is making a rare appearance on the PGA Tour. Stricker won the Charles Schwab Cup last year on the PGA Tour Champions. He is playing with Matt Kuchar.

GCSAA Fact Sheet: Click here .

Next week: AT&T Byron Nelson.

Online:  https://www.pgatour.com/

LPGA Tour: JM Eagle LA Championship

Site: Los Angeles.

Course: Wilshire GC. Yardage: 6,258. Par: 71.

Prize money: $3.75 million. Winner’s share: $562,500.

Television: Thursday-Friday, 6:30-9:30 p.m. (Golf Channel); Saturday-Sunday, 6-9 p.m. (Golf Channel).

Defending champion: Hannah Green.

Race to CME Globe leader: Nelly Korda.

Last week: Nelly Korda won The Chevron Championship.

Notes: Nelly Korda withdrew from the tournament coming off winning her second major and fifth win in a row. ... The prize money was raised to $3.75 million and the sponsors are paying for players’ hotels. It still attracted only six of the top 10 in the world. ... Among those not playing are Lydia Ko and Lilia Vu, who withdrew last week with injury. ... Patty Tavatanakit and Alison Lee are among those who played college golf nearby at UCLA. ... Paula Creamer is in the field based on being in the top 20 on the LPGA career money list. ... This is the second LPGA event in the Los Angeles area in the last five weeks. Korda won the Fir Hills Seri Pak Championship down the coast at Palos Verdes Estates. ... Rose Zhang is coming off a missed cut in the first LPGA major of the year. ... Lexi Thompson, who has not won in five years and is coming off a missed cut in the Chevron Championship, is not in the field.

Next tournament: Cognizant Founders Cup on May 9-12.

Online:  https://www.lpga.com/

LIV Golf League: LIV Golf Adelaide

Site: Adelaide, Australia.

Course: The Grange GC. Yardage: 6,946. Par: 72.

Prize money: $20 million. Winner’s share: $4 million.

Television: Thursday-Saturday, 9:30 p.m. to 2:30 a.m. (CW app). Saturday-Sunday, 1-6 p.m. (CW Network-tape delay).

Defending champion: Talor Gooch.

Points leader: Joaquin Niemann.

Last tournament: Dean Burmester won LIV Golf Miami.

Notes: LIV Golf’s tournament in Adelaide last year featured one of the largest galleries of the year. ... LIV Golf Adelaide is where Talor Gooch won the first of his three titles last season. He is not in the field for any of the majors this year. ... LIV Golf had three players finish among the top 10 in the Masters. Cameron Smith and Bryson DeChambeau tied for sixth, and Tyrrell Hatton tied for ninth. ... Jon Rahm has yet to win since joining LIV in December. Rahm’s last victory was the Masters a year ago. ... Dustin Johnson, who won LIV Golf Las Vegas in early February, has missed the cut in his last two majors. Joaquin Niemann remains the points leader this year based on his two LIV titles. He made the cut in the Masters and already has received an exemption to play in the PGA Championship. ... Peter Uihlein began his three-week swing by playing the Saudi Open last week. He shot 66-63 on the weekend to finish third.

Next week: LIV Golf Singapore.

Online:   https://www.livgolf.com/

DP World Tour and Japan Golf Tour: ISPS Handa Championship

Site: Gotemba, Japan.

Course: Taiheiyo Club. Yardage: 7,262. Par: 70.

Prize money: $2.25 million. Winner’s share: $375,000.

Television: Wednesday-Thursday, 11 p.m. to 4 a.m. (Golf Channel); Saturday-Sunday, 11 p.m. to 3:30 a.m. (Golf Channel).

Previous winner: Lucas Herbert.

Race to Dubai leader: Rory McIlroy.

Last tournament: Scottie Scheffler won the Masters.

Notes: This is the second year of a European tour co-sanctioned event with the Japan Golf Tour in Japan. ... The tournament is the third of four events in the Asian Swing. The winner of this series gets a $200,000 bonus, and the top three get spots in the PGA Championship at Valhalla next month. ... The field includes Matthieu Pavon of France and Christiaan Bezuidenhout of South Africa. Both played in the RBC Heritage at Hilton Head last week. ... Keita Nakajima makes his first start since winning the Hero Indian Open for his first European tour victory. ... Kazuma Kobori received a sponsor exemption. The 22-year-old was born in Japan and plays under the New Zealand flag. He has three wins this year on the PGA Tour of Australasia. ... The field includes most of the rising Japanese stars, such as Nakajima, Takumi Kanaya and Taiga Semikawa. ... Lucas Herbert is not defending his title because he is with LIV Golf in Australia.

Next week: Volvo China Open.

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Online:  https://www.europeantour.com/dpworld-tour/  and  https://www.jgto.org/en/

PGA Tour Champions: Mitsubishi Electric Classic

Site: Duluth, Georgia.

Course: TPC Sugarloaf. Yardage: 7,179. Par: 72.

Prize money: $2 million. Winner’s share: $300,000.

Television: Friday, noon to 3 p.m. (Golf Channel); Saturday-Sunday, 3-6 p.m. (Golf Channel).

Defending champion: Stephen Ames.

Charles Schwab Cup leader: Steven Alker.

Last week: Paul Broadhurst won the Invited Celebrity Classic.

Notes: Paul Broadhurst became the seventh winner in the seven tournaments on the PGA Tour Champions this year. ... Steven Alker returns to action after taking last week off. ... Ricardo Gonzalez is the only first-time winner on the PGA Tour Champions this year. ... Broadhurst (58) became the third player 58 or older to win this year. He joins Stephen Ames (Chubb Classic) and Joe Durant (Cologuard Classic), both of whom are 59. ... The seven winners on the PGA Tour Champions come from seven countries — New Zealand, Canada, England, United States, Argentina, South Africa and Ireland. ... Thomas Bjorn has been a runner-up and tied for third in his two starts on the PGA Tour Champions this year. ... One week after Vijay Singh made his 20th cut at the Masters, the 61-year-old tied for sixth in the Invited Celebrity Classic. ... The TPC Sugarloaf hosted a PGA Tour event until 2007.

Next week: Insperity Invitational.

Online:  https://www.pgatour.com/pgatour-champions

Korn Ferry Tour: Veritex Bank Championship

Site: Arlington, Texas.

Course: Texas Rangers GC. Yardage: 7,010. Par: 71.

Prize money: $1 million. Winner’s share: $180,000.

Television: None.

Defending champion: Spencer Levin.

Points leader: Steven Fisk.

Last week: Tim Widing won the Lecom Suncoast Classic.

Next tournament: AdventHealth Championship on May 16-19.

Online:  https://www.pgatour.com/korn-ferry-tour

Other Tours

PGA of America: PGA Professional Championship, Fields Ranch at PGA (East and West), Frisco, Texas. Defending champion: Braden Shattuck. Television: Tuesday, 5-8 p.m. (Golf Channel); Wednesday, 4-7 p.m. (Golf Channel). Online:  https://www.pga.com/

Epson Tour: IOA Championship, Morongo GC at Tukwet Canyon, Beaumont, California. Defending champion: Miranda Wang. Online:  https://www.epsontour.com/

Challenge Tour: UAE Challenge, Saadiyat Beach GC, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. Previous winner: Maximilian Rottluff. Online:  https://www.europeantour.com/challenge-tour/

Ladies European Tour: Investec South African Women’s Open, Erinvale Country and Golf Estate, Somerset West, South Africa. Previous winner: Ashleigh Buhai. Online:  https://ladieseuropeantour.com/

PGA Tour Americas: Diners Club Peru Open, Los Inkas GC, Lima, Peru. Previous winner: Marcos Montenegro. Online:  https://www.pgatour.com/americas

Japan LPGA: Panasonic Open, Hamano GC, Chiba, Japan. Defending champion: Lala Anai. Online:  https://www.lpga.or.jp/en/

Korea LPGA: KLPGA Championship, Lakewood CC, Yangju, South Korea. Defending champion: Dayeon Lee. Online:  https://klpga.co.kr/

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PGA Tour has a team event in New Orleans. LIV Golf returns Down Under

Rory McIlroy, of Northern Ireland, watches his tee shot on the second hole during the third round of the RBC Heritage golf tournament, Saturday, April 20, 2024, in Hilton Head Island, S.C. (AP Photo/Chris Carlson)

Shane Lowry, of Ireland, chips to the green on the fifth hole during the second round of the RBC Heritage golf tournament, Friday, April 19, 2024, in Hilton Head Island, S.C. (AP Photo/Chris Carlson)

Patrick Cantlay hits from the bunker on the ninth hole during the final round of the RBC Heritage golf tournament, Sunday, April 21, 2024, in Hilton Head Island, S.C. (AP Photo/Chris Carlson)

Xander Schauffele watches his tee shot on the ninth hole during the second round of the RBC Heritage golf tournament, Friday, April 19, 2024, in Hilton Head Island, S.C. (AP Photo/Chris Carlson)

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ZURICH CLASSIC OF NEW ORLEANS

Site: Avondale, Louisiana.

Course: TPC Louisiana. Yardage: 7,425. Par: 72.

Prize money: $8.9 million. Winner’s share: $1.286 million for each player.

Television: Thursday-Friday, 3:30-6:30 p.m. (Golf Channel); Saturday-Sunday, 1-3 p.m. (Golf Channel), 3-6 p.m. (CBS).

Defending champions: Davis Riley and Nick Hardy.

FedEx Cup leader: Scottie Scheffler.

Last week: Scottie Scheffler won the RBC Heritage.

Notes: This is the PGA Tour’s only team event, with two rounds of fourballs and two rounds of foursomes. ... The winners do not get world ranking points or a Masters invitation. ... Rory McIlroy is playing for the first time, partnering with Shane Lowry. Friends since their youth, they have played only one Ryder Cup match together. ... The field includes three sets of brothers, two of them twins — Parker and Pierceson Coody, and Rasmus and Nicolai Hojgaard. The other set is Matt and Alex Fitzpatrick. ... Patrick Cantlay and Xander Schauffele are the only team where both players are ranked in the top 10. They won the Zurich Classic two years ago. ... Ryder Cup captain Luke Donald is playing with Francesco Molinari, one of his assistant captains in Rome. ... Steve Stricker is making a rare appearance on the PGA Tour. Stricker won the Charles Schwab Cup last year on the PGA Tour Champions. He is playing with Matt Kuchar.

Next week: AT&T Byron Nelson.

Online: https://www.pgatour.com/

JM EAGLE LA CHAMPIONSHIP

Site: Los Angeles.

Course: Wilshire GC. Yardage: 6,258. Par: 71.

Prize money: $3.75 million. Winner’s share: $562,500.

Television: Thursday-Friday, 6:30-9:30 p.m. (Golf Channel); Saturday-Sunday, 6-9 p.m. (Golf Channel).

Defending champion: Hannah Green.

Race to CME Globe leader: Nelly Korda.

Last week: Nelly Korda won The Chevron Championship.

Notes: Nelly Korda withdrew from the tournament coming off winning her second major and fifth win in a row. ... The prize money was raised to $3.75 million and the sponsors are paying for players’ hotels. It still attracted only six of the top 10 in the world. ... Among those not playing are Lydia Ko and Lilia Vu, who withdrew last week with injury. ... Patty Tavatanakit and Alison Lee are among those who played college golf nearby at UCLA. ... Paula Creamer is in the field based on being in the top 20 on the LPGA career money list. ... This is the second LPGA event in the Los Angeles area in the last five weeks. Korda won the Fir Hills Seri Pak Championship down the coast at Palos Verdes Estates. ... Rose Zhang is coming off a missed cut in the first LPGA major of the year. ... Lexi Thompson, who has not won in five years and is coming off a missed cut in the Chevron Championship, is not in the field.

Next tournament: Cognizant Founders Cup on May 9-12.

Online: https://www.lpga.com/

LIV GOLF LEAGUE

LIV GOLF ADELAIDE

Site: Adelaide, Australia.

Course: The Grange GC. Yardage: 6,946. Par: 72.

Prize money: $20 million. Winner’s share: $4 million.

Television: Thursday-Saturday, 9:30 p.m. to 2:30 a.m. (CW app). Saturday-Sunday, 1-6 p.m. (CW Network-tape delay).

Defending champion: Talor Gooch.

Points leader: Joaquin Niemann.

Last tournament: Dean Burmester won LIV Golf Miami.

Notes: LIV Golf’s tournament in Adelaide last year featured one of the largest galleries of the year. ... LIV Golf Adelaide is where Talor Gooch won the first of his three titles last season. He is not in the field for any of the majors this year. ... LIV Golf had three players finish among the top 10 in the Masters. Cameron Smith and Bryson DeChambeau tied for sixth, and Tyrrell Hatton tied for ninth. ... Jon Rahm has yet to win since joining LIV in December. Rahm’s last victory was the Masters a year ago. ... Dustin Johnson, who won LIV Golf Las Vegas in early February, has missed the cut in his last two majors. Joaquin Niemann remains the points leader this year based on his two LIV titles. He made the cut in the Masters and already has received an exemption to play in the PGA Championship. ... Peter Uihlein began his three-week swing by playing the Saudi Open last week. He shot 66-63 on the weekend to finish third.

Next week: LIV Golf Singapore.

Online: https://www.livgolf.com/

EUROPEAN TOUR AND JAPAN GOLF TOUR

ISPS HANDA CHAMPIONSHIP

Site: Gotemba, Japan.

Course: Taiheiyo Club. Yardage: 7,262. Par: 70.

Prize money: $2.25 million. Winner’s share: $375,000.

Television: Wednesday-Thursday, 11 p.m. to 4 a.m. (Golf Channel); Saturday-Sunday, 11 p.m. to 3:30 a.m. (Golf Channel).

Previous winner: Lucas Herbert.

Race to Dubai leader: Rory McIlroy.

Last tournament: Scottie Scheffler won the Masters.

Notes: This is the second year of a European tour co-sanctioned event with the Japan Golf Tour in Japan. ... The tournament is the third of four events in the Asian Swing. The winner of this series gets a $200,000 bonus, and the top three get spots in the PGA Championship at Valhalla next month. ... The field includes Matthieu Pavon of France and Christiaan Bezuidenhout of South Africa. Both played in the RBC Heritage at Hilton Head last week. ... Keita Nakajima makes his first start since winning the Hero Indian Open for his first European tour victory. ... Kazuma Kobori received a sponsor exemption. The 22-year-old was born in Japan and plays under the New Zealand flag. He has three wins this year on the PGA Tour of Australasia. ... The field includes most of the rising Japanese stars, such as Nakajima, Takumi Kanaya and Taiga Semikawa. ... Lucas Herbert is not defending his title because he is with LIV Golf in Australia.

Next week: Volvo China Open.

Online: https://www.europeantour.com/dpworld-tour/ and https://www.jgto.org/en/

PGA TOUR CHAMPIONS

MITSUBISHI ELECTRIC CLASSIC

Site: Duluth, Georgia.

Course: TPC Sugarloaf. Yardage: 7,179. Par: 72.

Prize money: $2 million. Winner’s share: $300,000.

Television: Friday, noon to 3 p.m. (Golf Channel); Saturday-Sunday, 3-6 p.m. (Golf Channel).

Defending champion: Stephen Ames.

Charles Schwab Cup leader: Steven Alker.

Last week: Paul Broadhurst won the Invited Celebrity Classic.

Notes: Paul Broadhurst became the seventh winner in the seven tournaments on the PGA Tour Champions this year. ... Steven Alker returns to action after taking last week off. ... Ricardo Gonzalez is the only first-time winner on the PGA Tour Champions this year. ... Broadhurst (58) became the third player 58 or older to win this year. He joins Stephen Ames (Chubb Classic) and Joe Durant (Cologuard Classic), both of whom are 59. ... The seven winners on the PGA Tour Champions come from seven countries — New Zealand, Canada, England, United States, Argentina, South Africa and Ireland. ... Thomas Bjorn has been a runner-up and tied for third in his two starts on the PGA Tour Champions this year. ... One week after Vijay Singh made his 20th cut at the Masters, the 61-year-old tied for sixth in the Invited Celebrity Classic. ... The TPC Sugarloaf hosted a PGA Tour event until 2007.

Next week: Insperity Invitational.

Online: https://www.pgatour.com/pgatour-champions

KORN FERRY TOUR

VERITEX BANK CHAMPIONSHIP

Site: Arlington, Texas.

Course: Texas Rangers GC. Yardage: 7,010. Par: 71.

Prize money: $1 million. Winner’s share: $180,000.

Television: None.

Defending champion: Spencer Levin.

Points leader: Steven Fisk.

Last week: Tim Widing won the Lecom Suncoast Classic.

Next tournament: AdventHealth Championship on May 16-19.

Online: https://www.pgatour.com/korn-ferry-tour

OTHER TOURS

PGA of America: PGA Professional Championship, Fields Ranch at PGA (East and West), Frisco, Texas. Defending champion: Braden Shattuck. Television: Tuesday, 5-8 p.m. (Golf Channel); Wednesday, 4-7 p.m. (Golf Channel). Online: https://www.pga.com/

Epson Tour: IOA Championship, Morongo GC at Tukwet Canyon, Beaumont, California. Defending champion: Miranda Wang. Online: https://www.epsontour.com/

Challenge Tour: UAE Challenge, Saadiyat Beach GC, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. Previous winner: Maximilian Rottluff. Online: https://www.europeantour.com/challenge-tour/

Ladies European Tour: Investec South African Women’s Open, Erinvale Country and Golf Estate, Somerset West, South Africa. Previous winner: Ashleigh Buhai. Online: https://ladieseuropeantour.com/

PGA Tour Americas: Diners Club Peru Open, Los Inkas GC, Lima, Peru. Previous winner: Marcos Montenegro. Online: https://www.pgatour.com/americas

Japan LPGA: Panasonic Open, Hamano GC, Chiba, Japan. Defending champion: Lala Anai. Online: https://www.lpga.or.jp/en/

Korea LPGA: KLPGA Championship, Lakewood CC, Yangju, South Korea. Defending champion: Dayeon Lee. Online: https://klpga.co.kr/

AP golf: https://apnews.com/hub/golf

Tight races define men’s Olympic Golf Ranking 100 days out from competition

Olympic Golf

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While Scottie Scheffler has been the dominant force across men’s golf in the spring of 2024 – bolstered by wins at the Arnold Palmer Invitational presented by Mastercard, THE PLAYERS Championship, the Masters Tournament and, most recently, the RBC Heritage – a number of storylines have emerged as the calendar creeps towards the 2024 Paris Olympics. Tuesday, April 23, marked the 100-day mark from the start of the men’s golf competition, but perhaps more immediately, the June 17 qualification deadline for the men’s golf competition is less than two months away.

With 60 spots up for grabs in the men’s competition, a finite number of opportunities remain for players to maintain their status inside the Olympic Golf Ranking (OGR) or breach the top 60.

This week’s movement inside the top 60 included Matti Schmid edging countryman Yannik Paul for Germany’s second position, alongside Stephan Jaeger, who recently solidified his spot with a win at the Texas Children’s Houston Open on the PGA TOUR. Schmid and Paul are not the only two countrymen battling for a position: Close races exist for several other countries, including Japan, Canada, South Korea, Denmark and Spain. In the past month, Byeong Hun An has overtaken Sungjae Im and Si Woo Kim for the second position representing South Korea (alongside Tom Kim), while Japan’s Keita Nakajima has edged ahead of Ryo Hisatsune after a win at the Hero Indian Open at the end of March.

Beyond competitions between players from individual countries, there is a top-60 “bubble” that several players are jostling around: This week, Norway’s Kris Ventura surpassed Finland’s Kalle Samooja after a top-five finish on the Korn Ferry Tour.

Countries can only have more than two representatives if they have more than two within the top 15 of the OGR (with a limit of four). As currently constructed, the United States (four) is the only country projected to include more than two representatives in the men’s competition.

With less than two months until the field is finalized, it’s officially crunch time for those hoping to represent their country on the grandest stage.