The LPGA Tour just got a massive shot of adrenaline. Lotte Group isn’t just sticking around; they are doubling down on the Lotte Championship with a massive plan to turn this event into a major-level powerhouse. This isn’t a simple renewal. It is a total overhaul of how this tournament exists on the calendar.
A massive five year plan
The Lotte Group has officially agreed to a five-year contract extension with the LPGA Tour. This deal keeps the Lotte Championship running all the way until 2031. According to reports, the group wants to raise the status of the tournament by boosting total prize money and improving the course environment. They aren’t just looking at the trophy, either. A new $250,000 player stay support fund is also being constructed by the group to assist players in maintaining a more stable life on tour. “It is a decision to improve the LPGA Tour environment and help players grow beyond just sponsoring the tournament,” an LPGA Tour official stated.
The new Hawaii Swing
The schedule is getting a much-needed shakeup. The tournament will move from its usual October slot to March starting next year. This shift is designed to create a “Hawaii Swing” by pairing it with the consecutive Nana Cup. This move is smart because it targets the best players in the world. One player active on the LPGA Tour said, “It is true that it was burdensome to go to Hawaii to compete in one tournament.” That player also noted that having two tournaments next year makes it more likely that top rankers will show up. The venue is also changing, as the group has selected Kapalua Golf Club in Maui as the new home for the event.
Building the next stars
Lotte has been a fixture on the tour since 2012, but the focus is now on the future. Stars such as Hwang Yoo-min, who claimed the top prize at this event last year, have already been launched by the group. They are even recruiting amateur talent to keep the talent pipeline flowing. “With the full support of Chairman Shin Dong-bin, we will not stop investing in the development of the LPGA Tour and strengthening the status of Korean golf,” stated an official from Lotte Group. The group also plans to keep expanding its ties to the local community, promising to “further expand our win-win management with the Hawaiian community that has lasted for 15 years.”
