La Vie est Belle Country Club, which translates to “life is beautiful” in French, has earned the nickname “the Korean-themed club” since its grand opening in 2015. Nestled in the picturesque hills of Chuncheon, Gangwon-do Province, the club offers a stunning retreat. But you know what it’s even more known for these days? Holding the Kolon Korea Open. The event, running from May 22-25, serves as a qualifier for The Open and grants access to a pretty huge purse.

So, what’s at stake at the 2025 Kolon Korea Open? Well, quite a lot. Apart from the seventh Asian Tour title, the winner will take home a staggering $180,000 out of the $1 million purse, which reflects the standard 18% payout according to the Asian Tour’s prize money distribution chart. Similarly, the runner-up will grab $110,000 (11.00%) from the purse, with the 3rd place golfer winning $63,000 (6.30%). Although only the top four players will take home $50,000 or above, the event is quite lucrative for other golfers. Undoubtedly, it is a highly lucrative Asian Tour event for the 144-player field.

Sure, after 36 holes, a cut is applied to the top 65 players and ties, allowing them to compete in the final two rounds of the tournament. However, essentially, all players who compete in the four rounds will receive prize money at the end of the tournament. This is how the purse breakdown for the weekend finishers looks:

Securing a win in this event will boost the winner’s Order of Merit tally, which is essential for gaining entry into future tournaments and earning bonuses. Additionally, the champion will earn 8.6 OWGR points, with the total points awarded based on the strength of the field. Furthermore, winning offers substantial benefits, including a two-year exemption on the Asian Tour, along with the opportunity to showcase their skills on more platforms.

The win will also help lead the winner into the fourth men’s major. As per Asian Tour: the leading two players who are not already exempt and make the cut at the Kolon Korea Open will secure a spot in The Open at Royal Portrush. However, now that we know what’s at stake, ending May 25, here’s how the competition looks heading into the weekend.

How are the golfers faring at the 2025 Kolon Korea Open?

The journey to the men’s golf national title is challenging, and we are saying that for two reasons. Ahead of the Kolon Korea Open, broadcaster Timmy Constantine Low pointed out the difficulties on the La Vie Est Belle’s Dunes Course. Stretching to 7,352 yards, the course leans towards the longer side, and a glance at the layout shows that water hazards affect 11 of the 18 holes. But it’s the 16th hole that is more challenging. The 16th hole is a 600-yard par 5, and players find the fairway as narrow as a runway. Additionally, with thick rough on the left and water on the right, the tee shot presents an even greater challenge.

The second reason? Defending champion Kim Min-kyu walked out of the tournament in the middle of the second round, citing a wrist injury. The official reason given is a “wrist injury”; however, reports suggest that he ran out of the balls he had prepared for the competition. Now, that’s disappointing!

Beyond that, Korean golfer Songgyu Yoo took the lead at the Kolon Korea Open with a steady second-round score of 67, giving him a two-shot advantage at seven-under par over Thailand’s Poom Saksansin.

Thailand’s Poom Saksansin remains in contention after shooting a 68, which included seven birdies and four bogeys. Despite making ongoing swing changes, he gained momentum on the back nine. Just one stroke behind Poom is fellow Thai golfer Sadom Kaewkanjana, who posted a steady 69. Korean qualifier Yujun Jung fell back with a second-round 76 but is still six shots off the lead. Jed Morgan is tied with Jung.