The DP World Tour and Korea Professional Golfers’ Association have formalised their partnership with the signing of a Strategic Alliance, which expands the pathway for KPGA Korean Tour players on to the DP World Tour and will see co-sanctioned tournaments held in Korea through to 2025.
DP World Tour Chief Tournament Business Officer Ben Cowen and KPGA Chairman Koo Ja-cheol confirmed the enhanced relationship following the inaugural Korea Championship Presented by Genesis, which marked the DP World Tour’s return to Korea for the first time in more than a decade.
Currently the KPGA’s Genesis Point Award winner secures a one-year DP World Tour exemption in Category 16 for the following season. From next season, the opportunities will increase, with the next two leading players on the Genesis Point Award also receiving exemptions in Category 17.
New co-sanctioned tournament announced
In addition, as part of the DP World Tour’s commitment to supporting professional golf in Korea, the two organisations will co-sanction a tournament in Korea for the next two seasons, as well as continuing to collaborate in key business areas including strategic development and commercial growth.
Ben Cowen, DP World Tour Chief Tournament Business Officer said: “Following on from the inaugural Korean Championship Presented by Genesis, we are delighted to be strengthening our partnership with the KPGA.
“With the leading player in the Genesis Points Award already securing a DP World Tour exemption for the following season, this new pathway will allow more access for Korean players from the 2024 season onwards. We also look forward to co-sanctioning events in Korea with the KPGA each season through to 2025.”
Koo Ja-cheol, KPGA Chairman, said: “We are pleased that this agreement will give KPGA Korean Tour players the opportunity to compete on the international stage. The KPGA will strive to strengthen its global competitiveness through this agreement.
“This agreement will be an important step for the KPGA and DP World Tour to grow together.”
Spain’s Pablo Larrazábal lifted the inaugural Korea Championship Presented by Genesis trophy at Jack Nicklaus Golf Club Korea on Sunday, in the first DP World Tour event on Korean soil since the 2013 Ballantine’s Championship.