Golf: North Korea to host amateur golf tournament
Professional Golfers Association Australasia has confirmed that North Korea will host an amateur golf tournament soon.
Mark Seijen, business manager PGA circuit Asia told the press, “The deal has been finalised and very soon PGA will step onto North Korean soil. We are conducting talks with the relevant authorities and hopefully, we will hear good news. The course needs
to be checked as rules and lot has to be done, as this is the event in the area.”
The tournament will take place at the Pyongyang Golf Club, which is the only course left in working condition in the region. The golf club is situated in a resort, which is located on the border of the disputed territory between North and South Korea. The
club has not been visited by a golfer for two years, since a woman was shot dead there by a Korean officer.
Tickets are on sale, ever since the news leaked in the press. British and Chinese travelling firms have offered a five-day trip to the area, while cashing on the opportunity. Qu Chengguo, vice president of Chinese travel agency Dandong verified the news
and said, “The North Korean government has proposed the amateur event. We still need to sort things out with North Korea. As far as I know, if there is no change, the competition will open as planned.”
Qu Chengguo highlighted a very interesting fact in his interview. He said that Kim Jong-II, a powerful dictator in the area, recorded 11 holes-in-one at the same course.
London-based travelling agency, Lupine Travel wrote on their website that the tournament would kick off in April and they would charge $1,039 per person for a five-day tour to the venue.
The government is sending invitations to various foreign amateurs. Noh Seung-Yul, the South Korean golfer is also on the list of invitees.
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