Busan: A quartet of South Korean-born players in LIV Golf expressed their enthusiasm for an upcoming homecoming event in May, eager to deliver a memorable performance for local fans as the tour prepares for its second appearance in the country.
According to Yonhap News Agency, former PGA Tour veteran An Byeong-hun leads the newly branded Korean Golf Club, which includes Korean-born Kiwi Danny Lee, and local players Kim Min-kyu and Song Young-han. Lee remains the only member from the previous Iron Heads Golf Club team. In an effort to better connect with the South Korean audience, LIV Golf recruited An from the PGA Tour and signed Kim and Song, who have experience in the Korean and Japanese tours, respectively. The club also introduced a new logo and roundel inspired by Korean culture. Supported by Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund (PIF), LIV Golf will return to South Korea with the LIV Golf Korea event from May 28-31 at Asiad Country Club in Busan.
An emphasized their focus on showcasing their skills to the fans, stating, "Obviously, our priority is a great golf. We would like to show fans what we're capable of with some exciting and interesting golf. That's what we're here for," An said. "We want to grow. We want to grow the Korean Golf Club in Korea. We have a lot of fans out there supporting us, and hopefully, we can make this tournament as big as we can."
Song and Kim echoed An's sentiments, highlighting the importance of delivering a strong performance for the home fans. Lee, reflecting on his participation in the LIV Golf Korea tournament in Incheon last May, anticipated increased interest in LIV Golf this year.
"We have a new Korean captain, which will bring a lot of passion to all of the Korean golf fans," Lee commented. "I heard that golf course is going to be very different than last year's LIV Golf Korea event in Jack Nicklaus Golf Club (in Incheon). I think it's going to be a different style of golf that (people) will watch, and hopefully, our team can follow through and make something special out of it."
The players are in need of a boost to their season, as LIV Golf monitors individual and team standings. As of the Mexico tournament last weekend, Korean Golf Club ranked last among 13 teams with 18.75 points. Individually, An leads the club at 34th with one top-10 finish, while Lee, Song, and Kim have yet to achieve a top-10 finish this season.
Asiad Country Club has previously hosted significant events such as the BMW Ladies Championship on the LPGA Tour in 2019 and 2021, as well as the golf tournament during the 2002 Asian Games. LIV Golf announced in January that it has secured a multiyear agreement with the Busan venue.
The upcoming tournament will take place amid rumors that the PIF may withdraw its financial support from the tour after the current season.