What Is 2019 LPGA of Korea Tour

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Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 2019 LPGA of Korea Tour was the 42nd season of the professional golf tour for women in South Korea, featuring 37 official tournaments with total prize money exceeding ₩16.7 billion. It served as a key developmental circuit for players aiming to compete internationally, including on the U.S.-based LPGA Tour.

Key Facts

The 2019 season featured 37 official tournaments across South Korea and one international event.
Total prize money for the year exceeded ₩16.7 billion, averaging about ₩451 million per event.
Park Min-hyeong won the 2019 Order of Merit with earnings of ₩1.38 billion.
The tour included one overseas event in Vietnam: the KB Star Championship.
Jang Ha-na won the most tournaments in 2019 with 4 victories.

Overview

The 2019 LPGA of Korea Tour marked the 42nd competitive season of the premier women’s professional golf circuit in South Korea. As one of the most active and competitive developmental tours globally, it attracted top-tier talent and served as a launchpad for international stardom.

With a packed schedule and substantial prize purses, the tour reinforced South Korea’s dominance in women’s golf. It operated independently from the U.S.-based LPGA Tour but fed into it, with standout performers often earning qualifying rights to play abroad.

37 official tournaments were held during the 2019 season, making it one of the most densely scheduled professional golf tours in the world.
The total prize fund for the year reached ₩16.7 billion (approximately $14 million USD), reflecting the tour’s growing financial strength.
Park Min-hyeong claimed the 2019 Order of Merit title after accumulating ₩1.38 billion in earnings, the highest on the tour.
The tour hosted its first and only international event in Vietnam, the KB Star Championship, expanding its regional footprint.
Players earned points based on finishes, with the top 30 money winners qualifying for exemptions into select LPGA of Korea events the following season.

How It Works

The LPGA of Korea Tour operates through a season-long points and earnings structure, with tournaments awarding prize money and ranking points based on placement. Players compete for the Order of Merit title, which determines eligibility for future events and international opportunities.

Order of Merit: The player with the highest total earnings at season’s end wins the Order of Merit, a key career milestone. In 2019, Park Min-hyeong earned ₩1.38 billion to secure this honor.
Exempt Status: The top 30 players on the final money list received full playing rights for the 2020 season, ensuring stability for top performers.
Tournament Format: Most events followed a 54-hole stroke play format, with some elite events extending to 72 holes, including the season-ending competition.
Eligibility: Entry was open to professional Korean female golfers, with limited spots for amateurs and international players through qualifying tournaments.
Prize Distribution: Each event awarded prize money, with the winner typically receiving 18–22% of the total purse, varying by tournament size.
Pathway to LPGA: Strong performances could lead to qualification for the U.S.-based LPGA Tour via the LPGA Priority List or through direct invitations.

Comparison at a Glance

The 2019 LPGA of Korea Tour compared to other major women’s tours in structure, prize money, and competitiveness. The table below highlights key metrics.

Tour	Number of Events	Total Prize Money	Top Earner (2019)	Format
LPGA of Korea Tour	37	₩16.7 billion	Park Min-hyeong (₩1.38B)	54-hole standard
U.S. LPGA Tour	33	$57 million	Ko Jin-young ($2.3M)	72-hole
LPGA of Japan Tour	38	¥15.2 billion	Lee Ji-hee (¥128M)	72-hole
LPGA of Taiwan Tour	12	NT$180M	Lu Liang-Hsiang (NT$32M)	54-hole
European Ladies Tour	20	€8.1 million	Georgia Hall (€598K)	72-hole

While the Korean tour hosted more events than most, its average purse per event was lower than the U.S. LPGA Tour. However, its depth of talent and frequency of competition made it a critical training ground for future global stars.

Why It Matters

The 2019 LPGA of Korea Tour played a pivotal role in shaping the global landscape of women’s golf, producing world-class players and maintaining South Korea’s elite status in the sport. Its influence extends beyond national borders, impacting team selections and international tournament outcomes.

The tour served as a proving ground for Korean players aiming to compete on the U.S. LPGA Tour, with over 20 Korean members on the LPGA in 2019.
High competition levels ensured that only the most consistent performers advanced, fostering exceptional mental and technical resilience in players.
Domestic sponsorships from companies like KB Financial Group and Shinhan Bank helped sustain the tour’s financial health and visibility.
Television coverage on SPOTV and K Golf increased public engagement and inspired young athletes to pursue golf professionally.
The tour contributed to South Korea’s global sports prestige, reinforcing its reputation as a powerhouse in women’s golf.
Success on the tour often led to national team selection for events like the Asian Games and International Crown.

With its rigorous schedule and deep talent pool, the 2019 LPGA of Korea Tour remained a cornerstone of professional women’s golf, bridging domestic excellence with international success.