What Is 2022 LPGA of Korea Tour

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Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 2022 LPGA of Korea Tour was the 44th season of the professional women's golf tour based in South Korea, featuring 37 official tournaments and awarding over ₩33.8 billion in prize money, with Ko Jin-young winning the Player of the Year title.

Key Facts

The 2022 season featured 37 official tournaments across South Korea.
Total prize money exceeded ₩33.8 billion ($26.7 million USD).
Ko Jin-young claimed Player of the Year honors.
The tour began on February 24, 2022, in Incheon.
Seven tournaments had prize pools exceeding ₩1 billion.

Overview

The 2022 LPGA of Korea Tour marked the 44th competitive season for South Korea’s premier professional women’s golf circuit. As one of the most prolific developmental tours globally, it served as a crucial pipeline for talent advancing to the U.S.-based LPGA Tour and international competitions.

This season emphasized depth and competitiveness, attracting over 200 professional members and featuring rising stars alongside seasoned veterans. The structure combined standalone events with major championships, fostering a robust calendar that reinforced South Korea’s dominance in women’s golf.

37 official events were held between February and November 2022, making it one of the busiest women’s golf schedules globally.
The total prize fund reached ₩33.8 billion (approximately $26.7 million USD), reflecting a 4.2% increase from 2021.
The season kicked off on February 24, 2022, with the KB Star Championship in Incheon, setting the tone for a high-stakes year.
Ko Jin-young, a former U.S. LPGA Tour winner, claimed the Player of the Year title after four tournament victories and consistent top-10 finishes.
Seven tournaments offered prize money exceeding ₩1 billion, including the KLPGA Championship and the Hana Financial Group Championship.

How It Works

The LPGA of Korea Tour operates under a structured season-long points and earnings system, rewarding performance across tournaments to determine rankings, qualifications, and season honors. Each event contributes to individual accolades and team-based standings, reinforcing competitive integrity.

Season Duration: The 2022 tour spanned from February to November, aligning with South Korea’s favorable golfing weather. Each month featured 3–4 tournaments to maintain player engagement and media visibility.
Membership Structure: Over 200 players held full or conditional status, with entry determined by Q-School results, prior season rankings, or sponsor invitations.
Scoring Format: Tournaments followed standard 72-hole stroke play, with cuts after 36 holes reducing the field to the top 70 and ties for weekend contention.
Prize Distribution: Individual event purses ranged from ₩700 million to over ₩1.2 billion, with winners typically receiving 18–22% of the total purse.
Ranking System: The Official Money List ranked players by earnings, while the Point Ranking determined Player of the Year and exemption privileges for the following season.
Pathway to LPGA: Top performers earned status on the U.S. LPGA Tour via the Priority Ranking System, with the top three in season earnings gaining direct access.

Comparison at a Glance

The 2022 LPGA of Korea Tour compared closely with other major women’s tours in prize money, event volume, and player development impact. The following table highlights key metrics across global circuits:

Tour	Number of Events	Total Prize Money	Top Player Earnings	Season Duration
LPGA of Korea Tour	37	₩33.8 billion	₩1.89 billion	Feb–Nov
U.S. LPGA Tour	34	$69 million	$4.2 million	Jan–Nov
Japan LPGA Tour	38	¥3.1 billion	¥127 million	Apr–Dec
Ladies European Tour	28	€8.7 million	€420,000	Mar–Oct
Australia WPGA Tour	12	A$2.1 million	A$180,000	Nov–May

The LPGA of Korea Tour’s prize pool, when adjusted for purchasing power parity, rivals that of the Japan LPGA and exceeds the Ladies European Tour. Its high event count and deep talent pool make it a critical training ground for global competition, with many alumni achieving success on the U.S. LPGA Tour.

Why It Matters

The 2022 LPGA of Korea Tour played a pivotal role in shaping the future of women’s professional golf, both domestically and internationally. Its influence extends beyond scores and standings, impacting athlete development, sponsor engagement, and national pride.

Global Talent Pipeline: Over 15 active U.S. LPGA Tour players in 2022 began their careers on the Korean tour, underscoring its developmental significance.
Economic Impact: The tour generated an estimated ₩45 billion in regional economic activity through tourism, broadcasting, and sponsorships.
Media Reach: Domestic broadcasts on SBS Golf and online streaming platforms reached over 1.2 million viewers per event on average.
Youth Inspiration: The visibility of stars like Ko Jin-young boosted junior participation, with a reported 18% increase in girls’ golf programs in 2022.
Sponsorship Growth: Major brands like KB Financial, Hana Financial, and Samsung continued multi-year partnerships, reflecting strong ROI.
International Representation: While primarily Korean, the tour included international players from Thailand, Japan, and the U.S., enhancing its global appeal.

With its blend of competitive rigor, financial strength, and cultural impact, the 2022 LPGA of Korea Tour reinforced South Korea’s status as a powerhouse in women’s golf, setting benchmarks for future seasons.