What Is 1997 Ladies Asian Golf Tour

Overview

The 1997 Ladies Asian Golf Tour marked the official launch of a dedicated women’s professional golf circuit across Asia, aiming to provide competitive opportunities for female golfers in the region. Organized by the Ladies Asian Golf Federation, the tour sought to promote golf development and elevate the profile of women athletes in countries with growing golf interest.

With support from national golf associations and regional sponsors, the 1997 season set the template for future growth, featuring a mix of national opens and invitational events. Though modest compared to the LPGA, it represented a significant step toward professionalizing women’s golf in Asia.

• 12 official events were held during the 1997 season, spanning Thailand, South Korea, Japan, the Philippines, and Chinese Taipei.
• The inaugural tournament was the Thailand Ladies Open, played in February 1997 at the Royal Gems Golf Club.
• South Korean golfer Pak Se-ri emerged as the season’s top performer, winning three tournaments and the Order of Merit.
• The tour operated independently but coordinated with national golf bodies to schedule events and secure prize funds averaging $75,000 per tournament.
• Despite limited media coverage, the tour attracted rising stars who later joined the LPGA, including Mi-Hyun Kim and Shiho Oyama.

Season Structure and Competition

The 1997 Ladies Asian Golf Tour followed a regional circuit model, with events spaced throughout the year to accommodate player travel and local golf calendars. Tournaments typically lasted four days, with 72-hole stroke play formats and cut rules after 36 holes.

• Format: Each event used a standard 72-hole stroke play format, with a 36-hole cut reducing the field after two rounds.
• Eligibility: Open to female professionals and top amateurs, with priority given to players from member nations.
• Prize Money: Average purse was $75,000, with the winner typically receiving 22% of the total.
• Scoring: Results contributed to the Order of Merit, based on points awarded by finish position in each event.
• Travel: Players often self-funded travel, though host nations sometimes provided accommodations for international competitors.
• Season Length: The tour ran from February to November 1997, concluding with the Philippine Ladies Open.

Comparison at a Glance

How the 1997 Ladies Asian Golf Tour compared to other women’s tours of the era:

The 1997 Ladies Asian Golf Tour operated on a much smaller scale than the LPGA or Japan’s tour, but it filled a critical gap by offering regional competition. Its modest purses and limited events reflected funding challenges, yet it provided essential experience for emerging talents aiming for international careers.

Why It Matters

The 1997 season was foundational for women’s golf in Asia, creating a platform for athletes who would later achieve global success. It also signaled growing investment in women’s sports across the region during the late 1990s.

• The tour helped launch the career of Pak Se-ri, who joined the LPGA in 1998 and became a Hall of Famer.
• It encouraged national federations in Asia to invest in junior development and women’s programs.
• Provided competitive experience for players from countries with limited access to global tours.
• Demonstrated the feasibility of a pan-Asian golf circuit, influencing later tours like the China LPGA.
• Boosted media visibility for women’s golf in markets like Thailand and the Philippines.
• Laid groundwork for future collaborations between Asian women’s golf associations.

While short-lived in its original form, the 1997 Ladies Asian Golf Tour was a pioneering effort that contributed to the long-term growth of the sport. Its legacy lives on in the success of Asian players on the world stage.