The Korea Deaf Golf Association is stepping onto the world championship stage for the first time, just three years after its founding — even as players and staff shoulder their own travel and participation costs due to a lack of stable sponsorship.
The association held a send-off ceremony at Incheon International Airport on Friday for the national team competing in the 15th World Deaf Golf Championship, wishing the squad well ahead of their departure.
The tournament runs Friday through Aug. 15 in Sweden, with competitions in men's and women's individual and team events as well as senior and junior divisions.
The association joined the World Deaf Golf Federation as a full member last year and is now sending a national team to the world championship for the first time. The milestone marks the formal entry of Korean deaf golf onto the international stage.
The six-member delegation is led by team captain Park Se-jin and includes male players Lim Jeong-woo, Lee Woo-hwan and Choi Gwang-ho, along with team manager Choi Jeong-gyu and international sign language interpreter Ko Gyeong-hui.
The road to this debut was not easy. With the association still in its early stages and no stable sponsors secured, players and staff had to cover all participation costs themselves. The players have also been funding their own training and coaching sessions in preparation for the world stage.
Despite the difficult circumstances, the team is determined to demonstrate the competitiveness of Korean deaf golf at their first international competition.
"The players have poured their own money into individual training and lessons, so I hope that effort pays off with good results," team captain Park said. "I am grateful to the association officials who helped make this first international appearance possible."
During the tournament, team manager Choi Jeong-gyu and interpreter Ko Gyeong-hui will support the players with on-course logistics and local communication. The association also plans to focus on safety and physical condition management so the players can concentrate fully on their rounds.
Acting President Jeong Sang-hwa said he was deeply moved to see the Korean team reach the world championship after so many obstacles, but expressed regret that limited financial resources and a lack of sponsorship had left players and staff to bear the costs themselves.
"I send my deepest gratitude and support to the team members who quietly prepared for this competition under difficult conditions," Jeong said. "Rather than focusing solely on results, I hope they show the world the spirit and ability of Korea's deaf golfers."
The association hopes the debut will help gauge Korea's international competitiveness in deaf golf while laying the groundwork for future player development and a more stable support and sponsorship base.
7toy7@heraldcorp.com
