The Asian golf industry is experiencing a massive wave of global influence, powered by a dynamic group of leaders who are shifting how the sport is played, experienced, and invested in across the region. According to Golf Inc. Magazine’s May/June 2026 Ranking of the "Most Powerful People in Asia," the market is being shaped by groundbreaking simulator technology, multi-billion-dollar corporate acquisitions, and cross-border tourism strategies. From major course operators in Japan to infrastructure innovators in South Korea and real estate visionaries in Vietnam, these industry titans are successfully integrating golf with hospitality, entertainment, and modern lifestyle platforms.

Top Power Players in Asian Golf

The following industry executives secured the top spots on this year's power list:

1. Kim Young-Chan – Founder & Chairman, GOLFZON (No. 1)

• The Impact: Kim continues to be a dominant global force, spearheading GOLFZON’s rapid international simulator footprint across more than 60 countries, which saw over 100 million rounds played in the past year alone.
• Key Innovations: Following the momentum of its "GOLFZON Social" venues in New York and Chicago, Kim used the 2025 and 2026 PGA Shows to launch the "CITYGOLF" urban immersive concept and the new GDR MAX simulator. His GOLFZON Cultural Foundation also drives significant social impact initiatives across South Korea.

2. Choi Dung-Kyu – Founder & Chairman, Daebo Group (No. 2)

• The Impact: Overseeing the massive Daebo Group—which employs 4,000 people and brought in ₩2.2 trillion ($1.5 billion) in 2025 revenue—Choi has successfully blended tournament golf with mainstream entertainment.
• Key Innovations: Choi has established the 45-hole Seowon Valley Country Club as a major cultural venue through the annual Seowon Valley Green Concert. As South Korea’s first golf-course-based charity concert, it has drawn over 620,000 visitors and K-pop fans since 2000. The venue also hosted the LPGA Tour's BMW Ladies Championship in 2023 and 2024.

3. Yoo Shin-il – Founder & Chairman, Hankuk Industry (No. 3)

• The Impact: Yoo has spent over three decades assembling a powerhouse cross-border golf portfolio that now spans 22 courses across the United States and Japan.
• Key Innovations: His high-profile joint venture ownership of iconic U.S. properties like PGA West and Wood Ranch Golf Club elevated his global standing. Hankuk Industry continues to scale its international footprint, most recently acquiring the coastline-situated Ishiji Seaside Country Club in Japan to capitalize on booming international golf tourism.

4. Kotaro Tanaka – CEO, Pacific Golf Management (No. 4)

• The Impact: Since taking the helm in 2014, Tanaka has guided Pacific Golf Management (PGM) into a premier course operator, currently owning and operating 176 courses in Japan via aggressive IT, marketing, and sales infrastructure investments.
• Key Innovations: In January 2025, PGM's parent company, Heiwa, executed a monumental 510-billion-yen acquisition of Accordia Golf (Japan's largest operator). This historic consolidation places the country's two largest golf brands under one corporate umbrella to drive unprecedented market efficiency.

Industry Trends at a Glance

 

 
Source: Golf Inc. Magazine May/June 2026 edition