Journalist
Kang Sang-heon
ksh@ajunews.com
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Kim Hyo-joo wins LPGA Ford Championship again for second straight title Kim Hyo-joo repeated as champion at the LPGA Tour’s Ford Championship, capturing her second straight tour title. Kim shot a 3-under 69 on Sunday in the final round at Whirlwind Golf Club (par 72) in Phoenix, Arizona, with six birdies, one bogey and one double bogey. She finished at 28-under 260, beating Nelly Korda of the United States (26-under 262) by two shots. Kim earned $337,500 in prize money (about 510 million won). Kim, who won this event last year, became a two-time defending champion at the Ford Championship. She also followed last week’s Founders Cup victory with another win, giving her back-to-back LPGA titles for the first time and her first multiwin season on tour. Her LPGA career total rose to nine wins, moving her into a tie for sixth among South Korean players in LPGA victories. Kim became the first player to reach two wins this season, doing so in the year’s sixth LPGA event. She is also the first South Korean to post two wins in a season since Ko Jin-young in 2023, when Ko won five times. Kim added another LPGA milestone in Phoenix. After shooting 11-under 61 in both the first and third rounds, she became the first player in tour history to record two rounds of 61 at 11-under. She also set the 54-hole scoring record at 25-under 191. With Kim’s win following Lee Mi-hyang’s victory at last month’s Blue Bay LPGA, South Korean players have now won three straight LPGA tournaments. It is the first time since 2019 that South Koreans have won three consecutive events, when Yang Hee-young (Honda LPGA Thailand), Park Sung-hyun (HSBC Women’s World Championship) and Ko Jin-young (Founders Cup) did it from February to March. In a broadcast interview, Kim said, “I came to Phoenix feeling good, and it feels even better to win as the defending champion.” She added, “I’ve never won two weeks in a row before, and I’m so happy I can’t even find the words.” Other South Koreans also posted strong finishes. Jeon In-ji was fifth at 19-under 269, her first top-10 since a tie for eighth at the 2023 CPKC Women’s Open. Yoon Ina finished tied for sixth at 18-under 270, her best result since debuting on the LPGA Tour last year. Lee So-mi and Lee Il-hee ended the tournament tied for 15th at 14-under 274.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-03-30 10:33:00 -
Gary Woodland Wins Houston Open, First PGA Tour Title in Nearly Seven Years After Brain Tumor Surgery Gary Woodland of the United States completed a long comeback from brain tumor surgery and its aftereffects, winning a PGA Tour event for the first time in six years and nine months. Woodland shot a 3-under 67 on Sunday in the final round of the Texas Children's Houston Open at Memorial Park Golf Course (par 70) in Houston. He had four birdies and one bogey in the $9.9 million tournament. He finished at 21-under 259, beating runner-up Nicolai Hojgaard of Denmark by five shots. Woodland earned $1,782,000 (about 2.68 billion won). The victory carried added weight for the 41-year-old. Woodland won his first PGA Tour title in 2011 and captured the U.S. Open in 2019, establishing himself among the tour's top players. But his career was threatened after he was diagnosed with a brain tumor in 2023. He underwent surgery in September that year and later was diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder, among other severe aftereffects. He returned to the tour in the 2024 season, but struggled. He missed the cut 11 times in 26 starts and recorded only one top-10 finish. Woodland kept chasing another win and finally broke through in Houston, securing his fifth PGA Tour title and his first in nearly seven years. Among South Koreans in the field, Kim Joo-hyung finished tied for 56th at 2-under 278, and Im Sung-jae tied for 60th at 1-under 279. Lee Min-woo of Australia, a Korean Australian who won this event last year, closed tied for third at 15-under 265.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-03-30 08:48:54 -
South Korea routed 4-0 by Ivory Coast in World Cup-year friendly, hits post three times Hong Myung-bo’s South Korea opened the 2026 FIFA World Cup year with a lopsided loss, falling 4-0 to Ivory Coast in a friendly at Stadium MK in Milton Keynes, England, on March 28 (Korea time). South Korea, ranked 22nd by FIFA, had won three straight friendlies last year — beating Paraguay 2-0 in October, then Bolivia 2-0 and Ghana 1-0 in November — but struggled throughout against Ivory Coast’s pressure and conceded four times. Ivory Coast is ranked 37th. The all-time series between the teams is now 1-1. The match was also South Korea’s 1,000th men’s A international. The first came in August 1948, a 5-3 win over Mexico in the London Olympics round of 16. South Korea’s overall record stands at 542 wins, 245 draws and 213 losses. Using a three-back system, South Korea hit the post three times. In the 19th minute of the first half, Oh Hyeon-gyu (Besiktas) fired a left-footed shot off a forward pass from Seol Young-woo (Crvena zvezda), but the ball struck the frame. South Korea fell behind in the 35th minute after Cho Yu-min (Sharjah), playing as the right-sided defender, was beaten by Marcial Godo (Strasbourg). The move ended with a goal by Evan Guessand (Crystal Palace). Seol then hit the right post with a long-range attempt in the 43rd minute, and South Korea conceded again three minutes later when Simon Adingra (AS Monaco) dribbled past defenders and scored with a right-footed shot from inside the penalty area. In the 17th minute of the second half, Yang Hyeon-jun (Celtic) headed a ball toward South Korea’s goal area on a corner, but it went to an Ivory Coast player and Godo scored to make it 3-0. South Korea’s Lee Kang-in (Paris Saint-Germain), on as a substitute, struck the right post with a sharp left-footed shot in the 31st minute as South Korea pushed for a response. South Korea conceded a fourth in stoppage time on a counterattack, with Wilfried Singo (Galatasaray) finishing after a pass from Amad Diallo (Manchester United). South Korea will travel to Vienna to play Austria at 3:45 a.m. April 1 in its second March A-match friendly.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-03-29 01:42:00 -
IOC to Bar Transgender Athletes From Women’s Events Starting With 2028 LA Olympics 2028년 로스앤젤레스(LA) 올림픽부터 성전환자(트랜스젠더) 선수의 여성 부문 경기 출전이 전면 금지된다. The International Olympic Committee said it adopted a policy to protect the women’s category in sport that will bar transgender athletes from women’s events starting with the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. The IOC said its executive board approved the policy at a meeting on March 26 (local time). Under the new rules, eligibility for women’s events — individual and team — at the Olympics and all IOC-run competitions will be determined by a one-time sex test for the SRY gene, a gene linked to male sex development on the Y chromosome. The IOC said the move brings back sex testing for the first time since the 1996 Atlanta Olympics. Athletes who test negative will permanently meet the eligibility requirements for the women’s category. Those who test positive will be barred from women’s events at IOC-hosted competitions, except in rare cases involving a diagnosis of differences of sex development (DSD). Athletes with a positive result may compete in men’s events, in men’s positions on mixed teams, or in open-category sports that do not classify athletes by sex. The IOC said the policy will apply starting with the 2028 LA Olympics. It will not be applied retroactively to earlier competitions and will not apply to amateur or recreational sports programs. IOC President Kirsty Coventry said the decision was necessary to ensure fairness, safety and integrity in women’s competition. “At the Olympics, extremely small differences in performance can decide the outcome,” she said. “It is clear that it is not fair for biological males to compete in the women’s category,” adding that in some sports it is also directly tied to athlete safety. The IOC decision aligns with the direction of U.S. sports policy, the article said. It said U.S. President Donald Trump issued an executive order in February last year calling to “keep men out of women’s sports,” and that the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee later announced steps to bar transgender athletes from women’s events in domestic competitions.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-03-27 15:46:16 -
KBO League to Allow “Torpedo” Bats, Add Asia Player Slot and Shorten Pitch Clock in 2026 The 2026 KBO League regular season is set to open in one day after exhibition games wrapped up. The Korea Baseball Organization has overhauled rules to strengthen competitive fairness and deliver a faster-paced product. At the plate, the league will allow so-called “torpedo” bats for the first time. The KBO also removed an exception that had allowed bats not distributed through certified vendors if they were approved for Major League Baseball or Japan’s NPB. Instead, the KBO will allow additional bat certification during the season through Aug. 31, using the same process as the regular January application period. The newly introduced Asia quota system is expected to be the biggest variable this season. Designed to boost league competitiveness and ease foreign-player recruitment, it allows each club to sign one player from an Asian league — including Australia — for up to $200,000, with no position restrictions. Dual nationals from non-Asian countries are not eligible. Clubs can now carry four foreign players: the existing three plus one Asia-quota player. All four may appear in the same game. Nine of the 10 teams used the slot on a pitcher. The only club to sign a position player was the KIA Tigers, who added Australian infielder Jared Dale. By nationality, Japan accounts for seven players, Australia two and Taiwan one. The league is also pushing to shorten games. The pitch clock in the top division has been reduced by two seconds: pitchers must deliver within 18 seconds with the bases empty and 23 seconds with runners on. The Futures League will operate the same as last year. To speed and improve officiating, first- and second-base umpires will use wireless intercoms, allowing them to communicate with the replay center and handle in-stadium announcements without moving. Replay review has been expanded to include “strategic overruns” at second and third base. A new authority also allows officials to correct an obvious error on a different play not requested by a club during a review. Base-running interference rules have been tightened. If interference occurs on a pickoff play, the runner will be awarded one base rather than being sent back. Penalties for illegal defensive shifts were clarified, including charging an error to the fielder who first touches a ball in play. For consistent rulings, the foul-line width at all parks was standardized at 4 inches (10.16 centimeters). Player-protection measures were also updated. Injuries occurring after the start of exhibition play can be placed on the injured list if the move is made within three days of the Opening Day roster announcement. Players who apply for an extension can return to the active roster without waiting 10 days, easing roster strain. Doubleheaders were tightened as well. They may be scheduled only from April 12 to May 31, and back-to-back weeks of doubleheaders are prohibited. A Sunday doubleheader will be played as two nine-inning games only when a Saturday game is canceled, and teams may add two special roster spots for that day only.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-03-27 14:54:00 -
Doosan E&C We’ve Golf Team Expands to Eight Players for 2026 KLPGA Season Doosan Engineering & Construction said its We've golf team has completed preparations for the 2026 season with an expanded eight-player roster. The company said the team posted its best results since its launch last season on the Korea Ladies Professional Golf Association (KLPGA) Tour. Starting with Park Hye-jun, Kim Min-sol (two wins) and Lee Yul-lin won titles in sequence, giving the club a combined four victories. Doosan E&C finished third in the 2025 KLPGA club wins standings, the company said. For the new season, Doosan E&C strengthened its lineup by signing rookie Lee Se-young, described as a long-hitting player. The roster now includes Im Hee-jung, Park Gyeol, Yoo Hyun-joo, Yoo Hyo-joo, Kim Min-sol, Lee Yul-lin, Park Hye-jun and Lee Se-young. On March 20, all eight players gathered for their first official schedule at a studio in Nonhyeon-dong, Seoul's Gangnam district, for a profile photo shoot. Wearing team uniforms, they took group photos and individual shots in various concepts, the company said. After the shoot, Lee Yul-lin said, "I always come to profile shoots feeling happy and excited," adding, "It was fun because we could see each other in a different, interesting way than when we're training." Park Gyeol said, "Every time we do a profile shoot once a year, I really feel we're one team," and added, "Since we've done it together several times, we work well together and the shoot went faster." Lee Se-young, entering her debut season, said, "No matter the situation, I want to stay steady and show my own bold style of play," adding, "Last year, all the older players who newly joined the team won. I will also challenge for a win." Im Hee-jung said she aims to carry over her strong form from the second half of last year and contend for victories early in the season. Kim Min-sol, who won multiple times last year, said, "Whenever someone on the team wins, our group chat goes crazy," adding, "I hope we have even more to celebrate this year." Park Hye-jun, the team's first winner, said her victory and strong second-half results last year boosted her confidence. "This year, personally, I want to win multiple times," she said. "I hope our team does well together and reaches No. 1 in club wins, too." A Doosan E&C official said the photo shoot offered an early look at the teamwork the eight players will build this season. The official pledged that, through the company's "one team" culture and support, the players will encourage one another and create synergy in the 2026 season.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-03-27 14:09:00 -
Volvik Names Jang Seok-heon as CEO Volvik said Friday it has officially appointed Jang Seok-heon as its new CEO, following a board meeting held March 26. Jang, born in 1970, graduated from Seoul National University with a degree in international economics. He has served as chief financial officer at Long-Term Credit Bank, Korea Technology Investment Corp. (KTIC), Coamagic and Hyundai Rental Service, building expertise across finance and overall management. Since April 2023, he has led Volvik’s overall management, overseeing company operations. Volvik said the appointment reflected a comprehensive review of leadership, global capability and management expertise needed to drive sustained growth and management innovation. “Volvik is a homegrown golf brand that represents South Korea, and we will strengthen our competitiveness in global markets based on the standing we have built at home,” Jang said. “We will establish a sound management culture and achieve sustainable growth built on trust and innovation.”* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-03-27 13:03:00 -
Korea Golf Course Managers Association Holds Annual Meeting on Tax, Labor Changes The Korea Golf Course Managers Association said Thursday it held its 2026 annual general meeting over two days, March 25-26, at Maison Glad Jeju and Golfzon County Ora CC. Advisers, an honorary chair, auditors and CEOs from member companies attended. The group reviewed last year’s projects and approved its financial statements, while discussing responses to fast-changing conditions in the golf course industry. The association shared the outcome of an appeals court ruling in a lawsuit over an agreement fee involving law firm Cheonjiiin, in which the plaintiff’s claims were dismissed and the defendant golf course prevailed. It said the decision is expected to serve as a key precedent for the same case involving more than 90 member companies, and it plans to respond actively if the case goes to the Supreme Court. Members also discussed tax changes aimed at easing management burdens. The association reported it is forming a consultative body on property tax and the individual consumption tax, and said it will pursue petitions and other government outreach to seek an end to higher property tax rates and the abolition of the individual consumption tax. Labor issues were another main agenda item. The association said it analyzed the impact of the “Yellow Envelope Act,” a revision to the Trade Union and Labor Relations Adjustment Act that took effect March 10, including expanded bargaining rights for caddie unions. It said it will hold briefings for members and distribute response guidelines. It also released a simulation estimating that adopting a “worker presumption system,” which shifts the burden of proof to employers, would add about 16.2 billion won in annual costs for an 18-hole course. It said it has set five response strategies, including policy recommendations. The association also discussed switching its membership fee calculation from a system based on the number of visitors to a flat fee based on the number of holes, citing fairness among members and administrative efficiency. Choi Dong-ho, the association’s chairman, said the meeting brought the association and its members together to seek proactive responses to issues that could “shake the foundation” of the golf industry, including the Yellow Envelope Act and the proposed worker presumption system. He said the association will continue to work to protect members’ interests and support the industry’s sustainable development.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-03-26 18:21:00 -
Son Heung-min Seeks First Open-Play Goal of 2026 With South Korea vs. Ivory Coast 최근 소속팀에서 골 가뭄에 시달리고 있는 홍명보호 '캡틴' 손흥민(로스앤젤레스FC)이 태극마크를 달고 분위기 반전에 나선다. Hong Myung-bo's South Korea national team will play Ivory Coast in its first March A-match friendly at 11 p.m. on March 28 (Korea time) at Stadium MK in Milton Keynes, England. With the 2026 FIFA World Cup finals in North America about three months away, the match is intended as a stand-in test for South Africa, South Korea's opponent in the third group-stage game. Hong has called in his core overseas-based players for what he described as the final A match before the World Cup, including Son, Lee Kang-in (Paris Saint-Germain), Kim Min-jae (Bayern Munich) and Lee Jae-sung (Mainz). Attention is on whether Son can end his scoring drought with his first goal from open play this year. Son's 2026 scoring has been muted. In his first match of the year, he had one goal and three assists in a 6-1 win over Espania (Honduras) in the CONCACAF Champions Cup on Feb. 18. Since then, he has gone eight straight official matches without a goal, adding four assists. His goal against Espania came from the penalty spot, leaving him without an open-play goal this year. Some have raised concerns about decline for Son, born in 1992, but Hong said his confidence has not changed. Before the team's first training session of its Europe trip on March 24 in Milton Keynes, Hong told South Korean reporters, "I am not worried because of the time and role Son has played." He added, "He knows well what role he needs to play. It is very important for us to judge the right timing for his strengths to come out." Hong also pointed to tactical options aimed at maximizing Son. If Son starts as a wide attacker, Oh Hyeon-gyu (Besiktas) or Cho Gue-sung (Midtjylland) is expected to play up front. With their size and ability to battle defenders and link play, South Korea hopes Son will have more room for his trademark shooting. Hong said, "Because we have strikers in good condition like Oh Hyeon-gyu and Cho Gue-sung, there is a possibility Son will be used as a winger this time." Son has 54 goals in 140 A matches. If he scores four goals in the March A matches, he would move into a tie for the national record of 58 goals, matching Cha Bum-kun. One more would set a new mark. Ivory Coast, however, is not expected to be an easy opponent. It is ranked 37th by FIFA, below South Korea at 22nd, but is known in Africa for strong defense. It went unbeaten in 10 World Cup African qualifying matches (eight wins, two draws) without conceding a goal. Its squad includes Europe-based players such as Amad Diallo (Manchester United), Odilon Kossounou (Atalanta) and Ibrahim Sangare (Nottingham Forest). South Korea is 1-0 all-time against Ivory Coast. In a friendly in London in March 2010, South Korea won 2-0 on goals by Lee Dong-gook and Kwak Tae-hwi.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-03-26 16:54:00 -
Seoul’s SPOEX sports industry expo opens at COEX with 300 companies The 2026 Seoul International Sports and Leisure Industry Show, known as SPOEX, will be held from March 26 to 29 at COEX in Seoul’s Gangnam district, organizers said. The event is co-hosted by the Korea Sports Promotion Foundation and the Korea International Trade Association, with support from the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy. Launched in 2001, SPOEX is South Korea’s largest sports industry exhibition and one of Asia’s three major sports industry trade shows. The culture ministry said about 300 companies from South Korea and abroad will take part, and it expects about 46,000 visitors. Organizers said this year’s show will operate as a platform where visitors can experience the latest sports industry technologies and trends and connect them to business. Exhibits include health and fitness equipment, sporting goods, health care technologies, and underwater and water sports gear. Sports services featuring advanced technologies will also be presented, including AI-based exercise prescription systems and digital fitness measurement solutions. An “AI + SPO-TECH” special zone will offer hands-on experiences with innovative products and services reflecting global technology trends. A pro sports zone will feature sport-by-sport programs and league-related content, and current and former professional players in baseball, golf and soccer will provide instruction for visitors. Events on main stages inside the venue will include a bodybuilding competition, fitness demonstrations, yoga and Pilates classes, and K-pop and hip-hop dance contests. Business-focused programs will also be held, including a sports industry job fair, export consultations, investment matchmaking consultations and an industry symposium. Organizers said networking events among participating companies and investment-linked programs for early-stage firms will be used to strengthen cooperation and support South Korean sports companies’ expansion into global markets. Kim Daehyeon, vice minister of culture, sports and tourism, visited the opening ceremony on March 26 and encouraged participants. “This exhibition is an important opportunity to promote the technological capabilities and competitiveness of South Korean sports companies in the global market and to create new growth opportunities through cross-industry convergence,” Kim said. “The ministry will actively support the sports industry with policies that reflect on-the-ground demand so it can build a foundation for sustainable growth,” he said.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-03-26 09:06:00