Golf in South Korea: The Rising Challenge and Appeal

Golf in South Korea: The Rising Challenge and Appeal

Believe it or not, if you think snagging a tee time in the U.S. is tough, spare a thought for golfers in South Korea. While American courses are seeing high demand and rising prices, South Korea paints a different picture with its limited number of golf courses. Let’s jump into the numbers and uncover why golf in South Korea is a game of its own.

An Eye-Opening Comparison

To put it mildly, it’s a golfer’s dream in the United States, where 17,000 golf courses are scattered across the land. South Korea, on the other hand, has roughly 600 golf courses to offer. You read that right! The ratio of public to private courses is about 3:1 in favor of public courses in the U.S., but in Korea? The situation flips dramatically. Almost 75% of golf courses there are private!

A Generational Shift in Golfing

Now, before you get the idea that fewer golfers means less interest, hold on! In South Korea, about 1 in 10 people picks up a club to hit the greens. That’s quite close to the 1 in 14 ratio seen in the U.S. The golf boom in South Korea has been roaring for more than two decades, but it surged even more during the covid pandemic. Many hobbyists who used to stick to driving ranges or screen golf found themselves yearning for the real deal outdoors post-covid.

Where Do They Go?

So, what kind of options do these enthusiastic golfers have? With limited courses available, there’s an exciting challenge brewing. Despite the scarcity, there are some top-tier courses that golfers can check out—particularly if they happen to have a private-club membership. The options are growing, but it remains to be seen if more courses will be developed to cater to this expanding golfing community.

Recognition on the Global Stage

Talking about options, two courses in South Korea have recently received fantastic recognition: the South Cape Owners Club and the Jack Nicklaus Golf Club Korea. According to the latest ranking by Golf Digest, South Cape Owners Club is at an impressive #72 in the world, while Jack Nicklaus Golf Club Korea isn’t far behind at #75.

New Features to Rate Your Faves

Thinking about planning your next golfing getaway or just curious about what’s out there? You’ll be delighted to discover a brand-new course reviews experience out there. Each featured golf course now has its own individual page boasting bonus photography, drone footage, and expanded reviews. This is your chance to leave your mark! Whether you’re a fan of a specific course or feel like yours should get a better ranking, you can post your own ratings for the courses you’ve played and make your case!

Closing Thoughts

While the struggles of golfers in South Korea may seem foreign to those in the U.S., the love for the sport transcends these challenges. With increasing participation and sought-after courses, there’s no doubt that golf’s appeal in South Korea is hitting a high note. Will it explode even further? Only time will tell!