Incheon: LIV Golf's South Korean rookie Jang Yu-bin expressed his excitement on Wednesday about competing in front of his local supporters as the Saudi Arabia-backed golf circuit prepares for its inaugural event in South Korea next month. Jang, who secured the Player of the Year title on the KPGA Tour in 2024, joined LIV Golf last December as the first South Korean player on the tour. He is part of the Iron Heads Golf Club, which is led by South Korean-born American Kevin Na. Danny Lee, a South Korean native representing New Zealand, is also a team member. The general manager of Iron Heads is Korean American Martin Kim, a former Los Angeles Dodgers front office executive.
According to Yonhap News Agency, after a stop in Mexico City next week, LIV Golf will make its South Korean debut on May 2 with a three-day tournament at Jack Nicklaus Golf Club Korea in Incheon, near Seoul. Jang, familiar with the course from previous tournaments, shared his anticipation in an online media session. Last season, Jang dominated the South Korean tour, earning multiple accolades including the Player of the Year and the money title. He won two tournaments and had nine other top-10 finishes, showcasing his prowess as the tour's longest hitter.
Initially scheduled to compete in the PGA Tour's Q-School, Jang opted to join LIV Golf instead. Despite not breaking into the top 20 in his initial five tournaments, Jang remains optimistic. He acknowledged the pressure he felt playing against seasoned professionals but believes he will improve as he continues to adjust.
LIV Golf's format allows both players and teams to accumulate performance-based points. Currently, Iron Heads GC ranks last among 13 teams. Na and Lee both have experience playing in South Korea, with Lee noting his familiarity with the Jack Nicklaus Golf Club Korea. LIV Golf events, known for their entertainment value, will feature a post-tournament concert with K-pop stars G-Dragon and Ive, adding to the allure for local fans.
Bankrolled by the Public Investment Fund of Saudi Arabia, LIV Golf offers substantial purses, with each tournament providing a total of $25 million, surpassing most PGA Tour events. Despite attracting top players, LIV Golf faces criticism for its association with Saudi Arabia and allegations of "sportswashing."