Golf is a sport undoubtedly rich in history. Before and during the news of the $3 billion merger, the sport saw an entity, different from the regular PGA Tour, LIV Golf, take center stage. In a similar stage of sorts, North Korea has put itself in the limelight with their new tournament which has indubitably turned many heads towards them.
In a surprise move, the country invited many golfers from around the world to take part in the competition. Meanwhile, the tournament is slated to be held at a legendary place where, as per reports, the best of the best have played. The news has left many in a state of surprise and shock as the golf community looks onto the impossible feat registered in their history books.
The North Korean Invitational in Pyongyang
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Golf has been an integral part of diplomatic relations many times on various occasions, and now it has taken up that role again. The country of North Korea has made the said move to give amateur golfers in the country an opportunity to interact with foreign golfers and ‘develop a friendship’ with its own players at the tournament being held at the Pyongyang Golf Course.
The course situated in the capital city of the country holds a great history since it was the stage where Kim Jong-Il scored a historic 38-under-par 34, as per reports. The feat included 11 hole-in-ones, which marked his name in the history books of the country.
The ex-North Korean leader, during his reign in 1994, burned through the course, which boasted 7,700 yards. According to reports by the media, the then-58-year-old, who was just 5-foot-3, was able to overpower the championship course with much vigor during his first-ever round of golf.
🚨🇰🇵⛳️ #NEW: North Korea is inviting golfers to play in a tournament at Pyongyang Golf Course for the 1st time. The course holds great history in the country as it was the site of Kim Jong-iI’s historic 38 under par, which included 11 hole-in-ones in his first ever round 👀 pic.twitter.com/XghZSl6aib
— NUCLR GOLF (@NUCLRGOLF) August 12, 2023
Nevertheless, it is encouraging to witness new tournaments by a country that can help broaden the horizons of its amateur golfers despite all the hustle and bustle about the game with regard to its $3 billion alliance. The community can only hope that the many players can move past their displeasure and be a part of the PGA Tour-LIV Golf merger to produce a better future in the game for everyone.
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The golf tournament and the feat in Pyongyang create buzz
While the report may or may not be full of candor, one can’t deny the surprise that the news shocked the golf community, as such a feat has not been registered by anyone outside the country of North Korea. Moreover, it has attracted much attention not just from the golf world but also from the whole sports community. Let us take a look at some of the reactions:
Some golf enthusiasts hilariously mentioned how the ex-leader is headed to the Saudi-backed league.
I have heard he’s headed to LiV
— P Manning 🏌️♂️ (@flopadopolis303) August 13, 2023
There were people who talked about the golf course.
I’ve seen nicer putt-putt courses in Compton
— NukeTheWhales (@NukeTheWhales5) August 13, 2023
Some talked about how the LIV haters were taking this as an opportunity to diss the recent LIV victor Bryson DeChambeau.
LIV haters are saying this is the same course Bryson played lmaooooo
— Chris Anderson (@toomuchanderson) August 12, 2023
Some were sarcastic in their comments.
Kim shoots a 20 in an entire 18 hole round. Greatest golfer in the history of the world! Incredible !
— Bostonsalesguy (@srqbanker) August 12, 2023
There were comments mocking Jay Manohan.
Jay Monahan announces new Signature Event in Pyongyang
— Gaelen ☘️ (@GaelenBet) August 12, 2023
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There were even enthusiasts who were eager to visit the place.
Sounds like a great tourist destination!
— Rob 🍌 (@winningslow) August 12, 2023
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What do you think about Kim Jong Il’s feat? Moreover, do you think the tournament will help aspiring golfers? Share your thoughts below.
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