KLPGA Amends Rules on Seed Rights and Seed Ranking Extensions for Maternity Leave and Injured Players on the Regular Tour

*This content was translated by AI.

The Korea Ladies Professional Golf Association (KLPGA) announced that it has revised the regulations regarding seed rights and seed ranking extensions for players on maternity leave or injured players on the regular tour, through its "5th Board of Directors Meeting."

The KLPGA has extended the seed rights and seed rankings of players unable to participate in tournaments due to maternity leave or injury, ensuring them opportunities to return. However, under the existing rules, extension applications could only be submitted before 30% of the season's official tournaments had been completed. This led to opinions that it was difficult for players who became pregnant or suffered injuries or illnesses after the mid-season to benefit from the system.

In response, the KLPGA improved the relevant regulations so that players can respond more flexibly to pregnancy and childbirth, unexpected injuries, and illnesses, and secure sufficient recovery time.

First, the deadline for extension applications, previously limited to within 30% of the season's official tournaments, has been changed to allow applications at any time during the season. The extension period is based on one year from the date of application, with a maximum duration of two years.

The timing of return will also be managed flexibly. Previously, the first tournament of the season served as the benchmark. After the revision, if the point in time when one or two years have passed since the application date falls in the middle of the season, players can return starting from the tournament held in that week.

As the criteria for granting regular tour seed rights will change from top earners in the prize money ranking to top performers in the points ranking starting from the 2027 season, players on maternity leave or injured players will have their points earned up to the time of extension application suspended. These points will be combined with newly acquired points after their return and applied, ensuring they are not disadvantaged in the competition for seed rights.

Additionally, to support the smooth return of players who have been away from the tour for a long period due to maternity leave or injury, the KLPGA decided to introduce a "Return Stabilization System" that allows them to participate in up to two Dream Tour tournaments before returning to the regular tour.

KLPGA Chairman Kim Sang-yeol stated, "It is important to create an environment where players who must temporarily step away from the tour due to pregnancy and childbirth, or unexpected injuries and illnesses, can recover sufficiently and return stably." He added, "We hope that through this system improvement, players will be relieved of the burden of career interruption and continue their playing careers more stably. Going forward, the KLPGA will strive to protect players' rights and create an environment where they can perform at their best."

The revised regulations will take effect on January 1, 2027, and will not be applied retroactively.

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*This content was translated by AI.