The tournament is organized to celebrate the completion of a newly constructed clubhouse and aims to preserve the history and tradition of Korean golf while promoting a healthy senior golf culture. Beyond a simple friendly round, it seeks to highlight the positive values of sports in a society entering the centenarian era and to present a model for a healthy old age. The event is co-hosted by Seoul and Hanyang CC, SBS Golf, and Golf Herald.
Notably, the tournament will attract the participation of the country's oldest golfers and distinguished figures from various sectors. Among the expected participants is 100-year-old former aviator Kim Du-man, along with 98-year-old Shin Young-kyun, honorary president of the Korean Film Industry Association, 96-year-old Kwon No-gap, chairman of the Kim Dae-jung Foundation, 91-year-old Lee Gil-yeo, president of Gachon University, and 90-year-old Lee Yong-man, former Minister of Finance, and Yoon Se-young, founder of SBS Media Group. At 80 years old, Jeong Kyun-hwan, former secretary-general of the New Politics National Assembly, will be among the younger participants.
The tournament will feature over 60 senior golfers aged 80 and above, representing various fields including economics, culture, academia, and media, reflecting the theme of 'Golf for Health and Dignity in the Centenarian Era.' An event official stated, "This tournament is not just a friendly golf competition but a symbolic event that inherits the 100-year history and tradition of Korean golf while opening a new future for the next century. We expect it to serve as an opportunity to spread a vibrant and dignified '9988' golf culture, representing the centenarian era alongside our esteemed seniors."
Seoul and Hanyang CC is widely recognized as the 'home of Korean golf.' It is a historic venue that combines the legacy of the former Kyungsung Golf Club, established during the Japanese occupation, and Hanyang CC, which opened 18 holes in 1964. The 'Centenarian Tournament' held here carries significant symbolism, connecting the past and future of Korean golf.
The newly constructed clubhouse, which serves as a strong foundation for the tournament, is the result of a long-awaited project by Seoul and Hanyang CC to prepare for the 'post-100 years.' The facility has been completely renovated to harmonize traditional elegance with modern sensibilities, establishing a base for providing the best services to its members.
On June 20, Seoul and Hanyang CC successfully held a ceremony to celebrate the completion of the new clubhouse at a special stage in front of the clubhouse in Goyang City. The event, hosted by member and actor Choi Soo-jong, was attended by key figures including Jo Gap-joo, chairman of Seoul CC, Lee Dong-hwan, mayor of Goyang, Myung Jae-sung, a member of the Gyeonggi Provincial Assembly, and Oh Cheol-kyu, secretary-general of the Korea Golf Association, along with representatives from their sister club in Taiwan.
During the ceremony, plaques of appreciation were presented to representatives from the construction company, Eunmin SND, and a special award was given to member Noh Sang-bu, who recorded a hole-in-one and an eagle during a round just before the completion. The event concluded with a ribbon-cutting ceremony symbolizing the start of a new century and a plaque unveiling for the 'Historical Exhibition Hall,' showcasing the club's rich history, which received enthusiastic responses from attendees.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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