Economic Crisis & Corona: Maekyung, GS Caltex’s 20-Year Journey with MK Billy
- The 44th GS Caltex Maekyung Open is set to take place May 1-4 at Namseoul Country Club in Seongnam, Gyeonggi Province.
- Founded in 1982, the Maekyung Open faced challenges until GS Caltex stepped in as title sponsor in 2006.
- The support of the huh Jung-gu family has been a cornerstone of the tournament's success.
GS Caltex Maekyung Open Celebrates Decades of Korean Golf
The 44th GS Caltex Maekyung Open is set to take place May 1-4 at Namseoul Country Club in Seongnam, Gyeonggi Province. The tournament, co-sanctioned by the Korean Golf Association and the Asian Tour, has a rich history of promoting golf in Korea.
A Partnership for Korean Golf
Founded in 1982, the Maekyung Open faced challenges until GS Caltex stepped in as title sponsor in 2006. this partnership has been instrumental in sustaining and developing men’s professional golf in Korea.
the Huh Family’s Dedication
The support of the huh Jung-gu family has been a cornerstone of the tournament’s success. Huh Jung-gu, honorary chairman of Samyang Trade and son of the LG Group co-founder, initiated the national standing system with the goal of cultivating world-class players. He also served as chairman of the Korean Golf Association in the 1970s.
His sons, including Huh Nam-gak, chairman of Samyang Trade, and Huh Dong-soo, honorary chairman of GS Caltex, have continued this legacy. Huh Kwang-soo also served as chairman of the Korean Golf Association for nine years, mirroring his father’s commitment.
Overcoming Challenges
The GS Caltex Maekyung Open has persevered through economic downturns and global crises. Even during the 2009 financial crisis, the tournament continued, and the prize money was increased to 800 million won in 2010. In 2016, qualifiers were reinstated, reinforcing the event’s open nature.
Supporting Players During Crisis
During the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, when many tournaments were canceled, the GS Caltex Maekyung Open moved to Elysian Gangchon CC and maintained a 1 billion won prize pool to support players facing income loss.
A Korean Masters
The GS Caltex Maekyung Open has become a premier international golf tournament in Korea, drawing meaningful attention and large crowds. The event is seen as a “Korean masters,” where players strive for success and fans create a vibrant atmosphere.
The upcoming tournament marks the 20th year of GS Caltex’s involvement, promising fierce competition and enthusiastic gallery support.
GS Caltex Maekyung Open: Your Essential Guide
Welcome to a deep dive into teh GS Caltex Maekyung Open, a prestigious golf tournament with a rich history in South Korea. This Q&A style guide answers your most pressing questions, providing you with all the information you need to understand