What a dramatic turn of events: The Asian Tour has abruptly withdrawn the planned prize money increase for this week's Korea Open – and this comes just weeks after a hefty $500,000 injection from LIV Golf was announced.
This LIV financial boost would have pushed the total prize money from approximately $1 million (1.4 billion KRW) to a record-breaking $1.5 million – a significant statement for the prestigious tournament, which first teed off in 1958.
But now, the abrupt reversal: On Wednesday, the Asian Tour confirmed to AFP that the prize money for the Kolon Korea Open has been reverted to the original amount of 1.4 billion KRW – just like last year. "We informed our members of this revision following an update from title sponsor Kolon," it stated. Nevertheless: The champion will still receive the announced bonus of 200 million KRW.
Yet, in April, the Asian Tour had boasted loudly, announcing the Korea Open prize money increase with great fanfare. "With a prize money support of $500,000 from LIV Golf, with whom we are expanding our partnership, the winner's share will be 700 million Won, and the total prize money will be 2 billion Won, making this the biggest tournament in its history," the tournament organizers proclaimed on April 24. That sounded very impressive!
The catch, however: Just one week later, Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund (PIF) dropped the bombshell, declaring it would no longer fund LIV Golf after the 2026 season. Allegedly, a massive $5 billion has been pumped into the breakaway tour since its inception in 2021 – and now, the end. This leaves the rebel tour with a highly uncertain future, as it desperately seeks new investors and sponsors. Things are certainly not going smoothly right now.
Despite the chaos, several LIV stars will be competing at the Korea Open when it kicks off this Thursday in Chuncheon. Among them: two-time Masters champion Bubba Watson, Mexico's Abraham Ancer, and Korean-born New Zealander Danny Lee. It remains to be seen how this will play out on the course.
The Asian Tour's International Series was also financed by LIV – the future of these mini-circuit events, each offering $2 million in prize money and a direct path to the LIV Tour, is now highly uncertain. The next International Series tournament is scheduled to take place from June 11-14 in Morocco. A real drama is currently unfolding on multiple levels.
