The 2025 AIG Women's Open at Royal Porthcawl Golf Club in Wales once again highlighted a familiar force in the world of women's golf: South Korea.

While Japan's Miyu Yamashita claimed her first major with an impressive 11-under-par victory, South Korea's A. Lim Kim secured a share of fourth place, reinforcing her nation's deep and consistent presence in the game.

But the broader picture is even more telling.

Twelve South Korean players made the cut at the final women's major of the year, a remarkable feat that mirrors the nation's ongoing influence in elite golf. According to the latest Rolex Women's World Golf Rankings, 13 of the top 50 players hail from South Korea, just edging out the United States, which boasts 12.

For a country of 52 million people and roughly 800 golf facilities, South Korea's success on the global golfing stage is no accident. It's the product of systemic development, long-term investment, and a unique national mindset.

Much of the momentum began in 1998, when Seri Pak burst onto the LPGA Tour and won five majors during her career, becoming a cultural icon in South Korea. Her international success lit a fire back home, one amplified by widespread media coverage and a national awakening to golf's potential. Sponsors, parents, and institutions followed, investing in junior development and supporting a new generation of golfers.

Unlike many Western countries, South Korea's golf boom didn't rely solely on green grass. Enter GolfZon - a pioneer in indoor screen golf, which has made the game more accessible in Korea's densely populated urban centres. Today, there are over 5,000 GolfZon venues nationwide. These simulator environments, often on city street corners, provide a low-cost, low-barrier entry point for young players, many of whom develop elite technical skills before ever setting foot on a real course.

Training often focuses on ball-striking precision using nets and simulators, allowing players to hone their technique without immediate pressure on distance or ball flight. This emphasis on process over outcome, so common in elite sports psychology today, has long been a pillar of Korean golf instruction.

The imbalance between South Korean women and men at the highest levels of the sport is stark. While male golfers are just as passionate, they face an unavoidable hurdle: mandatory military service, which lasts up to 21 months and often coincides with key developmental years. This disruption has been cited as a significant factor limiting South Korean men's ability to replicate the international dominance seen on the women's side.

Golf in South Korea has evolved into more than just a sport; it's a symbol of discipline, dedication and status. The success of South Korean women's golf isn't built on talent alone; it is driven by structured junior programmes, a competitive domestic KLPGA Tour, and family support systems that often prioritise golf as a legitimate career path from a young age.

Commercially, Korean corporations have also played a pivotal role. From equipment to apparel, the branding of top Korean players with homegrown sponsors reinforces golf as a thing of national pride.

While South Korea's grip on the women's game may have loosened slightly with the rise of Japanese, Chinese, and Thai players, its foundation remains unmatched. Other nations are now studying the 'Korean model' and are integrating youth development, screen golf access, and strong domestic competition to help replicate this success.

For now, the pipeline remains strong. South Korea's formula continues to inspire a generation and help reshape the global women's game.

MENAFN05082025000049011007ID1109885887