What Is 2015 Ladies Asian Golf Tour

Overview

The 2015 Ladies Asian Golf Tour marked the 12th competitive season of the women’s professional golf circuit focused on developing talent across Asia. Organized by the Ladies Asian Golf Tour Management, the season aimed to strengthen regional competition and provide a pathway for emerging players to reach global tours like the LPGA.

With events spanning Southeast and East Asia, the 2015 season highlighted growing investment in women’s golf across the continent. The tour attracted over 150 players from 15 nations, showcasing rising stars and seasoned professionals competing for ranking points and prize money.

• 14 official events were held across Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, South Korea, Taiwan, and the Philippines, forming the core schedule of the 2015 season.
• Prize funds ranged from US$70,000 to US$150,000 per event, with the season-ending Thailand Masters offering the largest purse.
• South Korea dominated player participation, contributing over 40% of the field in most tournaments, followed by Thailand and Chinese Taipei.
• The tour operated under a points-based Order of Merit system, where Lee Seung-ju earned 987 points to claim the 2015 title.
• Co-sanctioning agreements with the China LPGA and Japan LPGA allowed dual ranking points and increased competitive depth in three key events.

How It Works

The Ladies Asian Golf Tour functions as a developmental and regional circuit, offering structured competition, player rankings, and international exposure. Its operational model supports player progression through consistent scheduling, prize incentives, and partnerships with national golf associations.

• Order of Merit: A season-long points competition where players earn points based on finishing positions; the 2015 leader received a trophy and automatic entry into select international events.
• Tournament Format: Events follow a standard 54-hole stroke play format over three days, with no cut after 36 holes, ensuring all entrants complete the full competition.
• Eligibility: Open to professional female golfers and top-ranked amateurs; players must submit world ranking data or handicap certificates for entry consideration.
• Prize Money Distribution: Each event distributes prize funds with 12%–15% going to the winner, scaling down to 1% for lower finishers, totaling over US$1.2 million for 2015.
• Player Rankings: The tour maintains its own ranking system, but results also contribute to the World Amateur Golf Ranking and World Handicap System updates.
• Co-Sanctioning: Selected events are co-sanctioned with other tours, such as the China LPGA in 2015, allowing players to earn dual ranking points and enhance career advancement.

Comparison at a Glance

Below is a comparison of the 2015 Ladies Asian Golf Tour with other major women’s golf tours in terms of scale, prize money, and structure.

While the Ladies Asian Golf Tour operates on a smaller scale than the LPGA or Japan LPGA, its role as a regional incubator is critical. It provides competitive experience for players from nations with less developed golf infrastructures and serves as a stepping stone to higher-tier tours.

Why It Matters

The 2015 Ladies Asian Golf Tour played a vital role in expanding opportunities for female athletes in a traditionally male-dominated sport across Asia. Its growth reflects broader shifts toward gender equity in sports and increased sponsorship in women’s athletics.

• Development Pipeline: The tour served as a critical training ground for young golfers aiming to qualify for the LPGA or Japan LPGA, with over 20 alumni advancing to major tours by 2020.
• Economic Impact: Host cities reported average tourism boosts of US$200,000 per event due to visiting players, officials, and spectators.
• Media Exposure: Regional broadcasts in Thailand, Korea, and Malaysia reached over 5 million cumulative viewers during the 2015 season.
• Gender Equity: The tour promoted women’s sports in conservative markets, contributing to increased female participation in golf by 17% in Southeast Asia from 2010–2015.
• Sponsorship Growth: Corporate partnerships rose by 23% year-over-year, with brands like Mitsubishi and Singha supporting multiple events.
• Legacy: The 2015 season laid groundwork for future expansion, influencing the 2016 launch of the ASEAN Ladies Golf Circuit as a regional collaboration.

By fostering talent and visibility, the 2015 Ladies Asian Golf Tour helped reshape the landscape of women’s professional golf in Asia, proving that regional circuits can have global significance.