What Is 2015 LPGA of Korea Tour

Overview

The 2015 LPGA of Korea Tour marked the 37th season of South Korea’s premier women’s professional golf circuit, showcasing the depth of talent in one of the world’s most dominant golf nations. Organized by the Korea Ladies Professional Golf Association (KLPGA), the season spanned from February to December and featured a record number of events, reflecting the tour’s growing stature and financial strength.

With a strong emphasis on developing elite golfers, the tour served as a critical pipeline to the U.S.-based LPGA Tour. The 2015 season was particularly notable for its expanded schedule and rising prize purses, drawing increased attention from sponsors and media outlets both domestically and internationally.

• 37 official tournaments were held in 2015, the highest number in the tour’s history up to that point, demonstrating its expanding calendar and popularity.
• The total prize money exceeded ₩16.8 billion (approximately $15 million USD), marking a significant increase from previous years due to heightened sponsorship.
• Amelia Lewis from the United States claimed the season’s Order of Merit title with earnings of over ₩1.1 billion, becoming the first non-Korean to do so.
• The tour included five major championships, including the KLPGA Championship and the Korea Women’s Open, which carried elevated prestige and payouts.
• Over 150 players competed regularly, with strict qualification standards ensuring a high level of competition across all events.

How It Works

The LPGA of Korea Tour operates as a season-long competition where players earn ranking points and prize money based on tournament finishes. The structure supports player development while maintaining a rigorous competitive environment through a tiered qualification system and performance-based exemptions.

• Qualifying School: Each year, over 300 players compete in the KLPGA Qualifying Tournament. Only the top 60 players earn full playing rights for the season, ensuring elite competition.
• Tournament Format: Most events follow a 54-hole stroke play format, with a 36-hole cut after the second round to narrow the field for the final day.
• Order of Merit: The season-long points race awards ranking based on prize money earned. The winner, such as Amelia Lewis in 2015, receives tour exemptions and international recognition.
• Exemptions & Wildcards: Past champions and top performers from prior seasons receive automatic entry into most events, reducing the need for re-qualification.
• International Players: The 2015 season saw increased participation from non-Koreans, with 12 foreign players earning full status, reflecting the tour’s growing global appeal.
• Path to LPGA Tour: Strong performances on the KLPGA Tour can lead to qualifying for the U.S. LPGA Tour, with players like So Yeon Ryu and Inbee Park using it as a springboard.

Comparison at a Glance

Below is a comparison of the 2015 LPGA of Korea Tour with other major women’s golf tours in terms of structure, prize money, and player development.

The LPGA of Korea Tour stood out in 2015 for its high number of events and strong domestic support, though its prize money still lagged behind the U.S. LPGA Tour. However, its role in developing world-class talent gave it outsized influence in global women’s golf, with many top Korean players using it as a training ground before moving to international circuits.

Why It Matters

The 2015 LPGA of Korea Tour was more than just a national golf circuit—it was a cornerstone of South Korea’s dominance in women’s golf, producing world-class players and setting standards for competitive depth and professionalism. Its success highlighted the country’s investment in sports development and its ability to nurture elite athletes from grassroots to global stages.

• Player Development: The tour has been instrumental in developing over 30 LPGA Tour players since 2000, including major champions like Inbee Park.
• Economic Impact: The 2015 season generated significant revenue for host cities, with tournaments boosting local tourism and business activity.
• Global Recognition: The rise of non-Korean winners like Amelia Lewis increased the tour’s international visibility and credibility.
• Sponsorship Growth: Major brands like KB Financial Group and Genesis Motor expanded their involvement, signaling corporate confidence in the tour’s future.
• Youth Inspiration: Success stories from the tour motivated thousands of young girls in Korea to pursue golf, increasing participation in junior programs.
• Sports Diplomacy: The tour strengthened South Korea’s soft power by showcasing its athletes and organizational excellence on an international stage.

As a launching pad for elite golfers and a symbol of national pride, the 2015 LPGA of Korea Tour underscored the importance of domestic sports infrastructure in shaping global athletic excellence.