SEOUL, April 20, 2026 - South Korean influence in the global golf industry has reached a new peak as four domestic executives were named to the prestigious "Asia’s Golf Power Figures" top 10 list by U.S.-based magazine Golf Inc. Leading the charge for the fourth consecutive year is the father-son duo of Choi Deung-kyu, Chairman of Daebo Group, and Choi Jung-hoon, Vice Chairman of Ido. The pair has become a fixture of the ranking, reflecting South Korea's growing footprint in golf course management and culture.
Chairman Choi Deung-kyu climbed to 2nd place this year, up from 3rd in 2025. He was lauded for his long-standing commitment to blending golf with philanthropy and popular culture.
"Choi was recognized for his significant contributions to the industry, most notably for hosting the 'Seowon Valley Charity Green Concert,' a global Korean Wave event that has redefined the golf course as a cultural space," Golf Inc. noted in its selection.
His son, Vice Chairman Choi Jung-hoon, secured the 8th spot, maintaining his status as the youngest executive on the list. Under his leadership, Ido has aggressively expanded its portfolio, operating premier locations such as Club D The Players in Chuncheon, and Club D Boeun and Geochang.
Vice Chairman Choi was specifically praised for his "Dream Tree" (Kkumnamu) initiative, which provides junior golfers with training and resources to ensure a sustainable future for the sport.
The 2026 list underscores South Korea’s dominance in the Asian market. Along with the Choi duo, two other Korean titans secured top honors:
For more information on the rankings and the industry's shift toward the Asian market, visit Golf Inc. Magazine.
