British Lupine Travel Announces 2026 North Korean Amateur Golf Open Revival
Updated (2 articles)
Event Schedule and Format Confirmed for 2026 The British‑based Lupine Travel will host a two‑day tournament in 2026, featuring a practice day followed by a stroke‑play competition [1]. This marks the first Amateur Open since its suspension after 2016. The announcement appeared on the agency’s website on Tuesday.
Eligibility Rules Exclude South Korean and U.S. Citizens Amateur golfers of any nationality may enter except citizens of South Korea and the United States [1]. The restriction reflects ongoing political sensitivities between North Korea and those nations. No further justification is provided on the site.
Venue Set at Pyongyang Golf Complex Near Capital The competition will take place at the Pyongyang Golf Complex, located about 25 km from the capital [1]. The course previously hosted the event from 2011 to 2016. A July 21 2025 photo released by a pro‑Pyongyang newspaper confirms the complex’s current condition.
Tournament Previously Suspended Due to Renovations and Pandemic The Amateur Open ran annually from 2011 through 2016 before being halted [1]. Renovation work at the course and COVID‑19 border closures caused the suspension. No official schedule had been set until this new announcement.
North Korea Uses Golf Event to Boost Tourism Revenue The tournament aligns with Pyongyang’s strategy to attract foreign currency amid sanctions [1]. Recent efforts include expanding coastal tourist zones and refurbishing a hot‑spring resort. The golf event is presented as part of this broader tourism push.
Timeline
1981 – The Pyongyang International Marathon launches as the Mangyongdae Prize International Marathon, commemorating Kim Il‑sung’s birthday on April 15 and establishing an annual international running event in North Korea. [2]
2011 – 2016 – The North Korean Amateur Open runs annually at the Pyongyang Golf Complex, delivering six consecutive years of amateur golf competition before a hiatus. [1]
2020 – 2024 – The marathon is suspended for five years because of the COVID‑19 pandemic, halting foreign participation and a source of tourism revenue. [2]
2024 – The Pyongyang International Marathon resumes, signaling North Korea’s push to attract foreign visitors and earn foreign currency after pandemic restrictions lift. [2]
July 21 2025 – A pro‑Pyongyang newspaper releases a photo of the Pyongyang Golf Complex, confirming the venue’s condition ahead of a planned 2026 tournament. [1]
Dec 9 2025 – Koryo Tours opens ticket sales for the 2026 Pyongyang International Marathon; all 500 spots sell out within five hours, showing strong demand despite passport bans for South Korean, U.S., Malaysian and Japanese citizens. [2]
Jan 27 2026 – British Lupine Travel announces it will host the 2026 North Korean Amateur Open at the Pyongyang Golf Complex, describing a two‑day event (practice day plus stroke‑play competition) and reiterating exclusion of South Korean and U.S. citizens. [1]
April 5 2026 – The 2026 Pyongyang International Marathon is scheduled, offering full, half, 10 km and 5 km courses and wheelchair/visually‑impaired categories while maintaining the same passport restrictions. [2]
2026 (date TBD) – The revived Amateur Open is set to take place at the Pyongyang Golf Complex, 25 km from the capital, as part of North Korea’s broader strategy to expand tourist zones and generate foreign‑currency revenue. [1]