The 2025 women’s professional golf season tees off with the inaugural Asia-Pacific Circuit (APAC Circuit) Indonesia Women’s Open, for the new year. The tournament, which will be held from January 24 to 26 at the iconic Damai Indah Golf Club’s BSD Course, promises fierce competition as top talents from across Asia-Pacific compete for a share of the US$300,000 prize purse.
The APAC Circuit, established by the Asia Golf Leaders Forum (AGLF), aims to spotlight emerging women golfers in the region while broadening golf’s appeal. Following the Indonesia Women’s Open, the Philippine Ladies Masters will take centrestage from February 12 to 14, offering a US$200,000 purse.
Anticipation is building as Korea’s Dream Tour contingent, renowned for producing world-class players, prepares to clash with rising stars from Thailand, Japan, Taiwan, and the Philippines. The tournament will serve as a platform for golfers from developing markets to hone their skills and gain invaluable experience.
“These tournaments are crucial for fostering healthy competition among Asia-Pacific’s next-generation talents and awarding world ranking points, which will help players progress to premier tours or the global stage,” said Paul Park, AGLF Secretary-General.
Notably, the top 50 players from Korea’s Dream Tour will participate, ensuring high-calibre performances and intense matchups.
The Indonesia Women’s Open features a diverse lineup of seasoned professionals and rising stars, including Thailand’s Patcharajutar Kongkraphan (World No. 146): A 30-time winner with a stellar 2024 season, including third place at the Hana Financial Group Championship.
Indonesia’s Gabriela Then (World No. 658), who will be backed by passionate home support, she seeks to leverage her LPGA experience on home soil. Japan’s Ai Takano (World No. 530) is a promising talent who earned her JLPGA main tour spot after excelling in 2024.
Philippines’ Dottie Ardina (World No. 268) is an Olympian and LPGA member with an impressive record on the global stage. New Zealand’s Fiona Xu (World No. 351) recently secured her LPGA Tour card for the upcoming season.
Korea’s Son Ye-bin (World No. 310) is a rising star with a runner-up finish at the KLPGA Championship and her compatriot Song Ga-eun (World No. 332) was the 2021 KLPGA Rookie of the Year and a top contender.
The APAC Circuit, in collaboration with regional associations like the Indonesia Golf Association (IGA) and the Ladies Philippine Golf Tour (LPGT), aims to establish a strong foundation for women’s golf. These tournaments also provide foreign players with pathways to debut on the KLPGA Tour, one of the world’s premier circuits alongside the LPGA and JLPGA.
A spokesperson from KLPGT said: “The Indonesia Women’s Open and Philippine Ladies Masters represent an exciting new chapter for women’s golf. These events not only foster competition but also promote cultural exchange and sports diplomacy across Asia-Pacific.”
Looking ahead, the AGLF aims to expand the APAC Circuit to include tournaments in Thailand and Vietnam, targeting up to eight events by 2028. This vision underscores the role of golf as a vital tool for sports marketing and cross-cultural engagement in the Asia-Pacific region.
With Korea’s world-class tournament standards setting the stage, the Indonesia Women’s Open is expected to be a spectacular showcase of talent, setting the tone for the 2025 season. As the sport grows, these tournaments serve as powerful ambassadors of K-Golf and the burgeoning Asia-Pacific golf scene.
