Defending champion Sei Young Kim will headline the 2026 BMW Ladies Championship as a competitive field of 84 golfers prepares for four days of LPGA Tour action at Pine Beach Golf Links in Haenam, South Korea, from October 22–25.
The $2.35 million tournament brings together leading international players and 15 competitors from the Korea Ladies Professional Golf Association (KLPGA), creating an important opportunity for domestic stars to compete against established LPGA talent.
Kim returns after a memorable victory in 2025, while Haeran Ryu, Hyo Joo Kim, Lottie Woad and Hye-Jin Choi are among the prominent names expected to challenge for the title.
Sei Young Kim Returns to Defend BMW Ladies Championship Title
Sei Young Kim enters this year’s tournament hoping to become the first player to successfully defend the BMW Ladies Championship since the event began in 2019.
The South Korean captured the 2025 title with a 24-under-par total of 264, finishing four strokes ahead of Japan’s Nasa Hataoka.
Kim opened that tournament with a remarkable 10-under 62 and maintained her advantage throughout the week, ending a five-year LPGA victory drought in front of supporters in her home country.
Her return to Pine Beach Golf Links adds another significant storyline to the 2026 championship.
The 13-time LPGA Tour winner has remained competitive this season, recording seven top-10 finishes in 17 starts heading into the tournament.
A second consecutive victory would strengthen her position among the leading players in women’s golf while marking another memorable home-soil achievement.
Haeran Ryu and Hyo Joo Kim Among Leading Contenders
Haeran Ryu enters the BMW Ladies Championship as the highest-ranked golfer in the field.
The South Korean, ranked No. 3 in the world in the October 20 tournament preview, has enjoyed an outstanding 2026 campaign that includes two major championship victories.
Her consistency throughout the season makes her one of the players to watch at Pine Beach.
Hyo Joo Kim is another major contender.
Ranked fifth in the world, she arrives seeking her 10th career LPGA Tour victory after adding two titles earlier this season.
England’s Lottie Woad, also among the leading players in the field, provides a strong international challenge.
Former world No. 1 Celine Boutier and Japanese competitors Nasa Hataoka and Aki Iwai add further depth to the lineup.
With several established champions participating, the field offers an intriguing contest between experience and emerging talent.
Fifteen KLPGA Players Join the 84-Golfer Field
One of the most notable developments at the 2026 BMW Ladies Championship is the participation of 15 KLPGA Tour players.
Their inclusion follows an agreement between the LPGA and KLPGA designed to strengthen opportunities for Korean domestic-tour golfers.
The field consists of 68 LPGA players, 15 KLPGA competitors and one tournament invitee.
Among the domestic contenders, Kim Min-sol and Seo Kyo-rim stand out after impressive seasons on the Korean tour.
Kim Min-sol leads the KLPGA money standings and Rookie of the Year race, having recorded three tournament victories this year.
Seo Kyo-rim has secured four KLPGA titles in 2026 and leads the tour’s Player of the Year points standings.
Their appearances create an opportunity to test their performances against some of the world’s leading golfers.
The agreement between the two tours also provides for an expanded BMW Ladies Championship in 2027, when the field is scheduled to increase to 108 players, including 30 KLPGA representatives.
Hye-Jin Choi Looks to Build on Shanghai Runner-Up Finish
Hye-Jin Choi arrives at the BMW Ladies Championship following a strong performance at the Buick LPGA Shanghai.
The South Korean held the lead through the first three rounds in China before finishing second after a closing 71.
The result marked another close attempt at securing her first LPGA Tour title.
Returning to South Korea gives Choi another opportunity to compete for a breakthrough victory in familiar surroundings.
Her recent form also makes her one of the more interesting players to follow as the championship gets underway.
Pine Beach Golf Links Provides a Coastal Challenge
Pine Beach Golf Links will host the BMW Ladies Championship for the second consecutive year.
The par-72 course measures 6,785 yards and is known for its seaside setting and exposure to changing wind conditions.
Several holes run close to the coastline, placing additional importance on accurate approach shots and effective course management.
Players must also negotiate undulating greens, creating challenges that can become more difficult when the wind increases.
Although Kim produced exceptionally low scores during last year’s championship, conditions could play an important role in determining the 2026 winner.
Golfers capable of controlling their ball flight and adapting their strategy may gain an advantage.
BMW Ladies Championship Offers Valuable CME Globe Points
Beyond the $2.35 million purse, the championship offers 500 Race to the CME Globe points to the winner.
With the LPGA season approaching its conclusion, strong tournament results can influence players’ positions in the season-long standings.
The event also forms part of the LPGA Tour’s Asian swing, which continues with the Maybank Championship in Malaysia and the TOTO Japan Classic.
For golfers competing to improve their rankings and qualify for the season-ending CME Group Tour Championship, every position matters.
What to Expect at the 2026 BMW Ladies Championship
Several compelling storylines will unfold when the first round begins on Thursday.
Sei Young Kim will attempt to defend her title against a field featuring leading international players, while Haeran Ryu and Hyo Joo Kim seek to add to their successful seasons.
The participation of Kim Min-sol, Seo Kyo-rim and other KLPGA representatives introduces another competitive dimension.
Hye-Jin Choi will also be hoping to build on her runner-up performance in Shanghai and capture a long-awaited LPGA Tour victory.
With an experienced defending champion, emerging Korean talent and valuable season-ending points at stake, the 2026 BMW Ladies Championship promises an important week for women’s professional golf.