The “King of Elementary School Golf Players” Competition: Behind the Scenes at Flamingo Country Club
Well, well, well! It seems that the Flamingo Golf Club in Dangjin, South Korea, has transformed into a playground for pint-sized golf prodigies! I mean, who knew that little hands could swing clubs with such gusto? On the 29th of last month, the National Primary School Student Golf Conference hosted more junior drivers than a traffic jam on a Saturday morning!
President Moon Byung-wook of Lamid Group was posing for photos like he just got the latest iPhone 15. Yet, there’s more than just flashy cameras and cheesy smiles – we’re talking about scholarships, half-price green fees, and a gloriously competitive atmosphere that would make even Tiger Woods wobble his knees a bit. It’s like they’ve channeled the spirit of Augusta, but with less green blazer and more green fees!
A Golf Tournament Like No Other
A whopping 145 elementary school students wielded their putters, desperately aiming for the title of “King of Elementary School Golf Players” at this annual showdown, supported by Time Folio Asset Management and Lamide Tourism Company. You had to be one of the top 15 boy or girl national contenders to even step foot on that hallowed green – it’s like the Olympics, but for kids and without the terrifying pressure (or so I hope).
And who were the stars of the day? Park Chan-woo, who could probably knock over adults with that swing, took home the golden trophy in the boys’ category. And let’s not overlook young Moon-in, who might just give Rory McIlroy a run for his money. What’s next? Will they be signing contracts with Nike?
More Than Just Birdies and Pars
Now hold onto your hats, folks! There’s a mouthwatering 30 million won in scholarships handed out to the top 10 seniors and top 5 juniors. It’s like Willy Wonka giving away golden tickets but for golf! President Moon even threw in a promise of an annual 20 million won for the next five years. Someone get this guy a crown, he’s a true golf fairy godmother!
Moon’s vision? “Discovering and nurturing young golf talents.” It’s almost poetic! With scholarships that sound more like a jackpot than an investment in golf, he’s not just supporting the game; he’s planting seeds of dreams in these budding golfers!
Your Golf Fees Are…Half Off!
And here comes the cherry on top: Flamingo CC is rolling out the red carpet with its half-price green fee offer for elementary school students. Yes, you heard that right! It’s like a Black Friday sale every day of the week at the clubhouse. Parents can sit back and laugh at their ever-increasing golf cart bills because their offspring can swing away at half the price. Genius!
President Moon, ever the champ, quipped that one day these kids might be representing Korea on the world stage. Who knows, maybe we’ll see them in the Olympics with their Flamingo CC backgrounds proudly displayed? That’s a birdie worth celebrating!
Lamide Group: Golfing and Giving Back
What’s more, the Lamide Group isn’t stopping with Flamingo CC. They’re looking to expand and sprinkle that 50% discount magic across their other golf courses. So, parents, start saving, because soon your kids might be playing golf for peanuts, and we mean that literally!
Additionally, the golf paradise where par-for-the-course meets philanthropic endeavors showcases their commitment to education and the local community. That’s right! They’re not just handing out clubs but building a community of champions who can swing and give back at the same time.
On the 29th of last month, the National Primary School Students Golf Competition was held with unprecedented splendor at the Flamingo Golf Club in Dangjin, South Chungcheong Province. A remarkable assemblage of 145 talented primary school students gathered to showcase their skills during this prestigious competition, organized by Time Folio Asset Management Company in collaboration with Lamide Tourism Company. The event was selective, with only the top 15 male and female players from previous national competitions allowed to compete, creating an exhilarating ‘king of kings’ showdown.
After fierce competition, the champions were crowned in various divisions, with Park Chan-woo from Ulsan Yakshi Elementary School emerging victorious in the Hwangryongfu category for 5th and 6th graders, achieving an impressive total score of 141, 6 under par. In the Grade 6 division, Moon-in from Gaepo Elementary School in Seoul topped the leaderboard with a score of 140. Additionally, Kim Jin-ho from Jeju Hagui Elementary School secured first place in the Kirin Division for boys in grades 1 to 4, while Kim Ji-ah from Gyeongbuk Nawon Elementary School triumphed in the Youth Academy division for girls in grades 1 to 4.
A total of 30 million won in scholarships will be awarded to the top 10 male and female senior students and the top 5 junior students. Moon Byung-wook, the chairman of Lamide Group, announced a generous commitment to donate 100 million won in scholarships to support the young athletes participating in the conference, with plans to provide 20 million won annually for the next five years. This initiative underscores Lamide Group’s dedication to nurturing the future of young golfers while encouraging them to excel in their academic pursuits.
Chairman Moon expressed his thoughts, emphasizing that discovering and nurturing young golf talents has been a priority since the establishment of Yangpyeong TPC. The Flamingo Country Club, located centrally in South Korea, serves as an ideal venue for this competition, offering a platform to discover and support promising golf talents. He articulated his delight at the opportunity to assist young golf enthusiasts in reaching their potential, highlighting that scholarship award recipients will be evaluated not only on performance but also on qualities such as leadership and creativity.
Flamingo CC, where primary school golfers from across the nation showcased their abilities, has made the groundbreaking decision to maintain its “half-price green fee” policy for young golfers, a pioneering offer that sets a precedent for golf courses across the country. Chairman Moon remarked, “I hope that one day you will feel a sense of pride representing Korea as a golfer, knowing that you cultivated your dreams at Flamingo CC.” This initiative aims to foster an environment where young talents can refine their skills without the financial burden, ensuring accessibility to the sport.
The Lamide Group is also actively discussing future expansions of its golf courses and the potential implementation of the half-price green fee policy for elementary students at additional venues, reflecting its commitment to fostering a new generation of golf enthusiasts.
Lamide Group, known for its extensive portfolio in the hotel and leisure industry, manages several golf courses, including the 30-hole Flamingo CC, 27-hole Yangpyeong TPC, and the upcoming Cheonan Hwangsansan Tereon CC, among others. Beyond hosting national elementary school competitions and providing scholarships, Lamide Tourism is deeply engaged with local communities, driving various social contribution initiatives focused on education, culture, and the environment.
Reporter Zhao Xiaocheng.
A hub for developing golfing talent and fostering a love for the sport among youth. With its ideal location and high-quality facilities, the club aims to create an enriching environment for aspiring golfers.
In addition to the scholarships, the Flamingo CC is also offering a generous half-price green fee promotion specifically for elementary school students. This initiative not only encourages young players to practice more frequently but also makes the sport more accessible for families. As Chairman Moon jokingly remarked, “One day, these kids might be representing Korea on the world stage—who knows, perhaps at the Olympics!”
Furthermore, the Lamide Group’s commitment to community involvement is evident through its efforts to expand the discounted green fee program to other golf courses they operate. This expansion reflects their intention to cultivate a love for golf among children throughout the region, making it easier for parents to introduce their young ones to the sport without breaking the bank.
As this remarkable event has shown, the synergy between golf, education, and community service can lead to the growth of not just talented players, but also well-rounded individuals who contribute positively to their communities. With such initiatives, the future of golf in South Korea looks bright, and these talented youngsters might just be the stars of tomorrow in the sport.
the National Primary School Students Golf Competition highlighted not only the exceptional skills of young golfers but also the dedication of organizations like Lamide Group in nurturing talent and fostering a supportive environment for youth. As we look forward to witnessing these young athletes blossom, it’s evident that the love for golf is alive and well in Dangjin, setting the stage for many more exciting tournaments in the future.
– Reporter Zhao Xiaocheng