The 10 most powerful people in Asian golf for 2026

These are the leaders driving growth, investment and operational innovation across Asia’s golf industry.

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Asian golf’s influence continues to expand, driven by leaders who are redefining how the game is played, experienced and invested in across the region.

At the top, Kim Young-Chan remains a dominant global force, with GOLFZON’S rapid international growth and continued innovation in simulator technology reinforcing the company’s position at the forefront of modern golf.

This year’s list reflects both scale and diversity in leadership. From major operators such as Kotaro Tanaka and Miyoshi Yasuyuki in Japan to emerging markets led by Nguyen Thi Nga in Vietnam, the industry’s growth is being shaped by a mix of operational expertise, real estate development and tourism strategy.

At the same time, investment, infrastructure and competition continue to evolve. Leaders such as Cho Minn Thant are expanding the global reach of tournament golf, while executives like Choi Jung-Hun are connecting golf to broader infrastructure and development platforms.

Together, these leaders highlight an industry that is becoming more global, more technology-driven and more integrated with hospitality, real estate and entertainment.

Here’s a look at this year’s most powerful people in Asian golf:

Kim Young-Chan
Founder & Chairman / GOLFZON

Kim Young-Chan, founder and Chairman of GOLFZON GROUP, leads a global business operating in more than 60 countries and more than 100 million rounds played in the past year.

GOLFZON’s North American expansion gained momentum with GOLFZON Social venues in Scarsdale and Brooklyn, New York, as well as Oak Brook, Chicago. At the 2025 PGA Show, Kim introduced CITYGOLF, an urban concept designed to expand access to immersive golf experiences. The company continued to promote the concept at the 2026 PGA Show while also launching its GDR MAX simulator.

GOLFZON has signed partnerships to bring CITYGOLF to North America, including plans for the GOLFZON Open, a competition hosted within CITYGOLF venues.

Beyond business growth, Kim has emphasized social impact through the GOLFZON Cultural Foundation, which supports underserved communities and cultural initiatives in Korea.

The foundation has supported domestic culture and arts initiatives as well as underprivileged groups in society. Notable programs include the Hope & Happiness Sharing Festival for children from multicultural and single-parent families, the “Draw and Dream”…