World-renowned golfers, Minjee Lee from Australia, ranked world number seven, and New Zealand’s Lydia Ko, placed ninth on the women’s world rankings, are set to headline a stellar field at the Hana Financial Group Championship, which gets underway this Thursday at the Bear’s Best Golf Club in Cheongna, South Korea.
Into its fifth year now, the championship boasts a grand prize purse of KRW 1.5 billion (approximately US$1.13 million)- the largest prize purse on the KLPGA Tour this season with the champion receiving a lucrative winner’s cheque of KRW 270 million.
The Hana Financial Group Championship is part of the Ladies Asian Tour (LAT) Series, organised by the Asia Golf Leaders Forum (AGLF)- a non-profit organisation dedicated to advancing women’s golf in Asia.
Local fans will be in for a treat with the in-form Lee ready to underline her growing credentials, especially after her recent victory at the Kroger Queen City Championship. With an impressive nine LPGA Tour wins, including two major championships and the U.S. Women’s Open title last year, Lee’s participation at the Hana Financial Group Championship is a highly anticipated one.
Ko, with her 19 LPGA Tour victories, including two major titles, is another household name in women’s golf and is set to draw in the crowds. Last year was arguably the Kiwi’s finest season- being crowned the LPGA Tour Player of the Year, ranking first in the money list, and recording the lowest scoring average.
All eyes will also be on Thailand’s Patty Tavatanakit, who won the ANA Inspiration in 2021 and was named the LPGA Tour Rookie of the Year the same season.
Spearheading the KLPGA’s local contingent is Choi Hye-jin, who hopes to repeat her previous success at the Bears Best Cheongna Golf Club, having won the Lotte Open at the same venue just three months ago.
Defending champion Kim Su-ji, meanwhile, will be aiming for her second win this season after her recent Hanwha Classic victory. Other local heavyweights include Park Ji-young, a multiple winner this season, and Lee Ye-won, Lim Jin-hee, and Park Min-ji- all ranked in the top 10 of this season’s KLPGA money list.
Hana Financial Group is committed to supporting athletes in the upcoming competition, ensuring they are in peak condition to deliver their best performance. As a testament to this commitment, the Hana Global Campus will serve as accommodation for the athletes, chosen for its easy accessibility to the competition venue and travel convenience. Additionally, athletes who do not make the cut will receive an incentive of KRW 500,000 each.
Apart from the playing opportunity for the players, the tournament also promises to create a fan experience like no other. Hana Financial Group has meticulously organised themed spaces within the under-construction Hana Global Campus Plaza in Hana Financial Town. These include a children’s play zone, food and beverage stalls, and rest areas, creating the largest gallery plaza in Korea.
Throughout the tournament, the Gallery Plaza will be abuzz with activities such as player autograph sessions, SNAG golf for children, prize drawings, and a stamp tour. The tournament venue is just a two-minute walk from Cheongna International City (Hana Financial Town) Station, which is located directly opposite Hana Financial Town, ensuring easy access for fans using public transportation.
Hana Financial Group, in collaboration with the participating athletes, has also earmarked up to KRW 250 million for charitable donations. Players have pledged to donate 1% of their total prize money, and Hana Financial Group will match this donation, bringing the total anticipated funds to KRW 30 million.
Special fundraising initiatives have also been introduced. For every birdie or better recorded by players on designated holes (Holes One and 11), Hana Financial Group will contribute up to KRW 20 million. Additionally, the 17th hole will feature a ‘Hana ESG’ zone at the second shot point. Each time a ball lands within this zone, KRW 1.11 million will be donated, with the potential to raise up to KRW 200 million in total.
A Hana Financial Group spokesperson said: “This tournament, showcasing a large number of domestic and foreign star players representing women’s golf, can be accessed by public transportation such as the airport railroad. We hope that many golf fans will visit the tournament site and enjoy the golf festival held in the fall. Hana Financial Group will do its best to make this competition the best in Asia.”
