Golf has experienced a significant surge in popularity across Asia, with South Korea and Japan emerging as major powerhouses in the sport. The 2024 Asian Tour saw both countries produce top-tier talent, with players like South Korea’s Im Sung-jae and Japan’s Hideki Matsuyama continuing to perform at the highest levels of international golf.
South Korea’s success in golf is particularly notable among female golfers. Stars like Inbee Park, Ko Jin-young, and Kim Sei-young have dominated the LPGA Tour, regularly winning major championships. This success can be attributed to South Korea’s structured golf academies, where young players are trained in both the technical and mental aspects of the game from an early age.
Japan, on the other hand, has seen a steady rise in men’s golf, with Hideki Matsuyama’s 2021 Masters victory marking a significant milestone for the country. Matsuyama’s success has inspired a new generation of golfers, and Japan’s golf industry is booming, with new courses and training facilities being developed across the country.
As more Asian golfers make their mark on the global stage, the future of the sport in the region looks promising. With major tournaments increasingly being held in Asia, the continent is quickly becoming a global hub for golf.
