What Is 2018 LPGA of Korea Tour

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Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 2018 LPGA of Korea Tour was the 41st season of the South Korea-based women's professional golf tour, featuring 37 official tournaments and a total prize fund of approximately ₩23.6 billion. Park Min-ji won the Most Valuable Player award after leading the money list with earnings of ₩1.43 billion.

Key Facts

The 2018 LPGA of Korea Tour held 37 official tournaments across South Korea and Asia
Total prize money for the season was approximately ₩23.6 billion
Park Min-ji won the money title with ₩1.43 billion in earnings
The tour began on March 15, 2018, with the KLPGA Championship
Kim Hyo-joo won the 2018 Player of the Year award based on points

Overview

The 2018 LPGA of Korea Tour, officially known as the KLPGA Tour, marked its 41st competitive season and served as the premier women's professional golf circuit in South Korea. Organized by the Korea Ladies Professional Golf Association, the tour attracted top-tier domestic talent and several international players, contributing to the global prominence of Korean golfers.

Spanning from March to December 2018, the season featured a packed schedule of 37 official events, making it one of the most active women’s golf tours worldwide. With a combined prize fund of approximately ₩23.6 billion, the tour provided substantial earning opportunities and served as a critical development platform for future LPGA Tour stars.

37 official tournaments were held during the 2018 season, the highest number in the tour’s history at the time, showcasing the growing depth of competition.
The season kicked off on March 15, 2018, with the KLPGA Championship, a signature event that set the tone for the year’s competition.
Total prize money reached ₩23.6 billion, reflecting a 12% year-over-year increase and highlighting the tour’s expanding financial strength.
Park Min-ji claimed the money title with ₩1.43 billion in earnings, becoming the first player since 2014 to surpass the ₩1.4 billion threshold in a single season.
The tour included three overseas events, held in China, Thailand, and Japan, enhancing its international visibility and appeal.

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 and provides a pathway to the U.S.-based LPGA Tour.

Season Duration: The 2018 tour ran from March 15 to December 9, encompassing 37 events across 10 months. Each tournament followed a standard 72-hole stroke play format.
Player Eligibility: Membership is open to professional female golfers who pass qualifying school or receive sponsor invitations. Over 150 players competed in at least one event during 2018.
Prize Money Distribution: Individual tournament purses ranged from ₩500 million to ₩1.2 billion, with the winner typically receiving 18–22% of the total purse.
Ranking System: The KLPGA Points Ranking awards points based on finishes, determining Player of the Year honors; Kim Hyo-joo led with 1,752 points in 2018.
Overseas Expansion: The tour held events in China, Thailand, and Japan to broaden its international footprint and attract global sponsors and talent.
Pathway to LPGA: Top performers gain eligibility for the U.S. LPGA Tour; in 2018, six KLPGA graduates competed full-time on the LPGA circuit.

Comparison at a Glance

Here’s how the 2018 LPGA of Korea Tour compared to other major women’s golf tours:

Tour	Number of Events	Total Prize Money	Top Earner (2018)	Season Length
KLPGA Tour	37	₩23.6 billion	Park Min-ji (₩1.43B)	March–December
LPGA Tour (USA)	32	$69 million	Ko Jin-young ($2.86M)	January–November
Japan LPGA Tour	38	¥3.1 billion	Iwako Shibuno (¥130M)	April–December
LPGA of Korea (2017)	35	₩21.1 billion	Park Sung-hyun (₩1.32B)	March–December
European LET	21	€6.8 million	Georgia Hall (€322K)	February–December

The KLPGA Tour’s 2018 season demonstrated strong growth compared to previous years and remained competitive with other international circuits. While the U.S. LPGA Tour offered higher dollar earnings, the KLPGA’s expanded schedule and rising prize funds solidified its role as a powerhouse in women’s golf development.

Why It Matters

The 2018 LPGA of Korea Tour played a crucial role in shaping the global landscape of women’s professional golf. It served as both a talent incubator and a financial engine for South Korea’s dominance in the sport, influencing training standards and competitive depth worldwide.

Player Development: The tour has produced over 40 players who later joined the U.S. LPGA Tour, including stars like Park Sung-hyun and Kim Sei-young.
Economic Impact: Host cities reported tourism boosts of up to 15% during tournament weeks, benefiting local businesses and infrastructure.
Media Exposure: Broadcast deals with JTBC and SBS Golf reached over 5 million viewers per major event, increasing visibility for women’s sports.
Global Influence: The tour’s success inspired similar structures in China and Thailand, contributing to Asia’s rise in women’s golf.
Gender Equality: High earnings and media coverage helped challenge gender disparities in sports, promoting female athletes as marketable figures.
Youth Engagement: Over 12,000 junior golfers participated in KLPGA-sponsored academies in 2018, ensuring a strong talent pipeline.

By combining competitive rigor with strategic growth, the 2018 LPGA of Korea Tour reinforced South Korea’s status as a leader in women’s golf, setting benchmarks for performance, organization, and global outreach.