Ten fan clubs devoted to the Korea Professional Golfers' Association (KPGA) Tour are coming together to create their own golf festival. The iBridge.com KPGA Pro Fan Club Championship will be held on June 8 at Gunsan Country Club in Gunsan, North Jeolla Province.
Now in its third year, the tournament is a rare "fan club-driven" event in Korean golf. All 10 KPGA fan clubs participated in the entire process, from planning to preparation.
Each team consists of one professional and three amateur fans. The participating KPGA players are Heo In-hoe, Kim Hong-taek, Kim Bi-o, Choi Seung-bin, Bae Yong-jun, Shin Yong-gu, Kim Bong-seob, Hwang Jae-min, Na Byeong-gwan, and Kong Tae-hyun. The event uses a two-person best-ball format to maximize teamwork and strategic play. Last year, Heo In-hoe's fan club won the title.
This year will also feature a "Black and White Chef Shot" event exclusively for professional players. The contest showcases a variety of skill shots including fades, draws, lob shots, and stinger shots. Kong Tae-hyun, who has gained widespread popularity through YouTube and screen golf, will host the event. Two judges will determine winners on the spot, delivering suspenseful entertainment.
The event also carries a spirit of giving. Following the first and second editions, the third tournament will again include a scholarship presentation for "future golf stars," reflecting the fandom's positive influence.
An official from Min Play, the event organizer, said, "This will be a special stage where professionals and fans truly become one. We hope it serves as an opportunity for a healthy fandom culture to spread in professional golf."