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More than 40 Korean women golfers will compete in the U.S. LPGA next year. There are two kinds of U.S. LPGA membership -- exempt members, who are eligible to play in all tours, number 138 and the remainder are non-exempt members. On the 2008 tour, 35 Korean golfers were exempt members.
There are many ways to obtain full exempt membership. Michelle Wie on Sunday earned membership by finishing with good scores in the LPGA Qualifying School, whereas Shin Ji-yai gained membership by winning a tour while a non-exempt member. Those who finish in the top 80 earners are also granted full exempt membership. These three cases offer one-year validity. Those who win a tour as exempt members can maintain full membership for three years and those who win a major event, or three or more tours in three years, gain five years.
The U.S. LPGA Tour normally starts its season with 144 golfers -- 138 exempt members and 6 invitees. Among the six invitees, two are invited by the tour sponsor, two are chosen from non-exempt members who finished in the top 10 at the immediately preceding tournament, and two from the qualifying event.
The 2009 season will feature 31 tours in 10 countries, three fewer than in 2008, due to global economic recession. The total prize money for the next season will be US$55 million.
(englishnews@chosun.com )
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