What Is 2018 Ladies Asian Golf Tour

Overview

The 2018 Ladies Asian Golf Tour (LAGT) marked the 13th competitive season of the premier women’s professional golf circuit in Asia. Organized to foster talent and expand the reach of women’s golf across the continent, the tour attracted players from over 15 countries.

With a focus on accessibility and regional development, the LAGT scheduled events in emerging golf markets and established hubs alike. The season provided a platform for both seasoned professionals and rising stars to gain experience and ranking points.

• 18 official tournaments were held during the 2018 season, making it one of the most active years in the tour’s history.
• Events spanned 7 countries, including Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, India, the Philippines, and Hong Kong.
• The season kicked off in February 2018 with the SAT-Thailand Championship in Chonburi, setting the tone for a competitive year.
• Total prize money distributed across the tour exceeded $1.8 million, a significant increase from previous years.
• Lee Jeong-eun of South Korea claimed the Order of Merit title, becoming the season’s top earner and most consistent performer.

How It Works

The Ladies Asian Golf Tour operates as a developmental and competitive circuit for women golfers aiming to progress to higher-tier tours like the LPGA or KLPGA. Players earn ranking points and prize money based on tournament finishes.

• Format: Each tournament follows a standard 54-hole stroke play format, with a cut after 36 holes to narrow the field. This structure ensures competitive depth and consistency.
• Eligibility: The tour is open to professional and elite amateur female golfers from any country, with special exemptions often granted to local talent.
• Scoring: Players are ranked using a points system based on final standings, with higher points awarded for top-10 finishes and championship wins.
• Prize Fund: Individual tournaments featured purse amounts ranging from $75,000 to $120,000, contributing to the season’s total of over $1.8 million.
• Schedule: Events were strategically placed between February and November to avoid clashes with major global tours and accommodate regional weather patterns.
• Development Role: The LAGT serves as a critical stepping stone for Asian players aiming to qualify for the LPGA of Japan, KLPGA, or Ladies European Tour.

Comparison at a Glance

Below is a comparison of the 2018 Ladies Asian Golf Tour with other prominent women’s golf circuits:

While the LAGT’s financial scale is modest compared to global tours, its role in nurturing regional talent is significant. The tour offers more playing opportunities than many national circuits and emphasizes player development over commercial scale.

Why It Matters

The 2018 Ladies Asian Golf Tour played a crucial role in advancing women’s sports across Asia, providing visibility and competitive structure for female athletes in a traditionally male-dominated sport. Its success helped inspire new national golf programs and increased sponsorship interest.

• The tour enabled over 120 female golfers to compete professionally, many of whom had limited access to international circuits.
• It contributed to the growth of women’s golf in India and the Philippines, where participation rose by 25% post-season.
• Several LAGT alumni, including Yuna Nishimura, went on to win on the JLPGA Tour in subsequent years.
• The tour fostered regional cooperation, with golf federations from 7 countries collaborating on event organization and logistics.
• Increased media coverage in 2018 led to streaming partnerships with regional sports networks, boosting fan engagement.
• By offering a structured career path, the LAGT helped reduce the attrition rate of young female golfers in Asia.

The 2018 season underscored the importance of regional sports infrastructure in developing global talent, proving that even mid-tier tours can have a lasting impact on athletic equity and opportunity.