GOLFZON Connects at The Open

During The 154th Open at Royal Birkdale, GOLFZON GROUP met with leading organizations and partners from across the global golf industry to exchange views on the future of the sport and explore potential areas of collaboration.

First played in 1860, The Open is golf’s oldest major championship. The 2026 event took place at Royal Birkdale from July 12 to 19, with championship play held from July 16 to 19.

Representing GOLFZON GROUP were Chairman Kim Young-chan, GOLFZON America CEO Sean Pyun and GOLFZON Leadbetter CEO Ben Riches. They held a series of meetings with representatives from the International Golf Federation, Golf Traveller and The R&A.

The discussions covered ways to broaden golf’s global reach, the future potential of digital golf and possible areas of cooperation across the golf industry. Sean Pyun and Ben Riches are publicly identified as the CEOs of GOLFZON America and GOLFZON Leadbetter, respectively.

Exploring Ways to Expand Digital Golf with the IGF

GOLFZON GROUP met with Antony Scanlon, Executive Director of the International Golf Federation, to discuss global youth golf engagement and opportunities associated with the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games.

The discussion covered experience-based programs using golf simulators, opportunities to introduce digital golf technology to international sports stakeholders and potential areas of cooperation across digital sports and esports.

Golf is included in the engagement program for Dakar 2026 rather than the medal competition program. Antony Scanlon’s official title is Executive Director of the IGF.

• International Golf Federation : The International Golf Federation is the international federation for golf recognized within the Olympic Movement. It is responsible for Olympic golf competitions and the World Amateur Team Championships and works with its member federations to support the international development of the sport.

• International Golf Federation : The International Golf Federation is the international federation for golf recognized within the Olympic Movement. It is responsible for Olympic golf competitions and the World Amateur Team Championships and works with its member federations to support the international development of the sport.

Exploring Opportunities with Golf Traveller in Global Golf Tourism

GOLFZON GROUP also met with Kimmo Ekroth of Golf Traveller, a travel partner of GOLFZON Leadbetter Academy, to discuss ways to expand cooperation in the global golf tourism sector.

The participants exchanged ideas on combining the Academy’s coaching programs with overseas golf experiences, developing premium travel offerings for international customers and exploring new partnership models in the global golf tourism market.

• Golf Traveller : Golf Traveller is a premium golf travel brand that curates individual and group experiences built around leading golf courses, major events, accommodations and local culture.

Discussing the Future of Digital Golf with The R&A

GOLFZON also met with representatives from The R&A, including Chief Executive Mark Darbon, to exchange views on key issues shaping the international golf industry and the sport’s future development.

The discussion focused in particular on how digital technology may change the golf experience and the evolving role of simulator golf. The participants shared views on digital golf content that could help sustain fan interest beyond major championships, as well as the potential of tournament formats based on golf simulators.

• The R&A : Headquartered in St Andrews, Scotland, The R&A works with the USGA to govern the Rules of Golf, the Rules of Amateur Status and equipment standards worldwide, operating in separate jurisdictions under a single set of standards. The organization also stages The Open and other major international championships and supports the development of golf around the world.

The meetings provided GOLFZON GROUP with an opportunity to deepen its dialogue with leading organizations and companies across the global golf industry and explore potential areas of cooperation built around digital golf technology.

GOLFZON GROUP will continue engaging with stakeholders across the industry and seeking projects that may help broaden access to golf and support the development of digital sports.