By Kim Jae-won
Staff Reporter
Korean professional golfers playing abroad have emerged as a big cash cow for the country this year by making a huge amount of money from victories in major golf tournaments in the U.S. and Japan.
About 80 Korean golfers grabbed 33.9 billion won worldwide in 2009 winning 37 victories mostly in LPGA and PGA tournaments.
Yang Yong-eun led the trend making 4 billion won and taking home two trophies, including a major win at the PGA Championship in August.
The 37-year-old Jeju native became the first Asian to seize a major title, edging Woods by three shots.
Shin Ji-yai, money leader and rookie of the year in the LPGA, made 2.6 billion won with three wins on the U.S.-based tour.
The 21-year-old was also named the female player of the year by the Golf Writers Association of America earlier this month. Kim In-kyung and Choi Na-yeon also reported making about 1.5 billion won.
The LPGA was the best dollar box for Korean golfers as the nation’s daughters earned 16.5 billion won and won 11 times.
The total money equates to the same as exporting 1,354 Hyundai Sonatas.
In Japan, 15 lady golfers, including Jeon Mi-jeong and Song Bo-bae, reported earning 6.9 billion won in prize money with 10 victories between them.
Among them, Song was selected as the rookie of the year on the Japan LPGA (JLPGA) Tour earlier this month. The 23-year-old made 72.92 million yen in Japan this season to rank seventh on the Tour's money list. The best rookie award is presented to the highest earner among first-year pros.
Analysts said that the economic side effect is even greater than the prize money. They say Yang’s win at the PGA Championship is valued at a million dollars in advertising potential.
Women golfers, such as Shin, Choi and Ji Eun-hee, also contributed to their sponsors by winning big matches on the LPGA Tours.
Companies that sponsored the players, also shared in their success. Mirae Asset, SK Telecom and Fila, which supported Shin, Choi and Ji, respectively, saw huge benefits both in brand images and selling their products.
"The marketing effect is huge. Experts say that if Shin wins big on the LPGA tour, it may be worth $100 million in the advertising market," Lee Jong-guil, manager of public relations office at Mirae, said.
shosta@koreatimes.co.kr
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