Seoul, Korea: New Zealand has become the latest country to join the Asia Golf Leaders Forum (AGLF) with the South Pacific nation pledging its commitment to develop and expand women’s golf in the Asia-Pacific region.

With New Zealand’s membership, the AGLF now has members that include 14 associations from 13 countries – Korea (Korea Golf Association and Korean LPGA), Australia, Chinese Taipei, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, New Zealand, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam,

Following a recent official Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signing ceremony in Korea, Dean Murphy, Chief Executive of Golf New Zealand (GNZ), said: “We are excited that Golf New Zealand can contribute to the development of Asia-Pacific region’s golf, which has been spearheading world women’s golf business in recent years.” 

Golf New Zealand, which has not been able to host a tournament for the past five years largely due to the Covid-19 pandemic, has agreed to host the New Zealand Women’s Open in 2024 and preparations for the event are already underway.

New Zealand’s much-developed golf infrastructure and industry have over 400 golf courses, currently ranked number one in the world, has also come through the ranks from New Zealand’s golf development programmes.

Other members of AGLF include companies and golf courses, including Hoban Construction Co, Ltd, Baz International, Yeoeun, Sky 72, Solago CC, Yousung CC, GA Korea (Korea, Gold CC).

The R&A is also a special member of the AGLF, where they support their belief in the development of women’s golf in the Asia-Pacific region.

AGLF is a non-profit corporation, led by four founders – Kim Jung-tai (Hana Financial Group), Hur Gwang-soo (Korea Golf Association), Kim Sang-yeol (Korea Ladies Professional Golf Association), and Kenny Park (Simone).

Paul Park, Secretary-General of the AGLF, said: “The AGLF’s mission is to unite all the Asian golf associations and create synergies to boost Asian golf to a global arena.

“Together with corporate partners, the AGLF is working to establish and grow Asia’s own series of women’s golf by co-developing with existing tournaments or establishing new tournaments in countries across Asia.”