Bae Yong-jun wins 2026 Lexus Masters in second playoff hole

Bae claims third KPGA Tour career victory and 200 million won prize; tournament debuts Lexus vehicle hole-in-one prizes, with two winners

Lexus Korea President Konyama Manabu (left) poses with 2026 Lexus Masters champion Bae Yong-jun. [Lexus Korea]

Lexus Korea announced Monday that the 2026 Lexus Masters, a KPGA Tour event, concluded successfully at Club72 Ocean Course (par 71, 7,076 yards) on Yeongjongdo in Incheon, drawing passionate play from competitors and enthusiastic crowds from Thursday through Sunday.

Now in its third year, the tournament carried a total purse of 1 billion won ($748,000), with a winner's share of 200 million won, and featured 102 of the top players on the KPGA Tour. Bae Yong-jun claimed the title with a final score of 12-under-par 272, sealing the victory on the second playoff hole against Jang Yu-bin and Jeong Jae-hyeon by placing a third shot to within roughly 30 centimeters of the cup. The win marked Bae's third KPGA Tour career title and first of the season.

Along with the 200 million won prize, Bae received a specially crafted winner's trophy created in collaboration with Lee Ji-woo, winner of the 2026 Lexus Creative Masters.

"I am overjoyed and deeply grateful to have brought home this Lexus Masters title as a gift to celebrate my father's discharge from military service," Bae said. "This victory gives me greater confidence going forward, and I will keep pursuing my ultimate goal as a golfer — earning a place on the PGA Tour."

Beyond the competition itself, the tournament drew attention for introducing a new golf culture built around the theme of "passion and cheers," where players and spectators enjoyed the event together. A "Masters Lounge" set up at the ninth hole featured music personally selected by the players, free-spirited fan cheering and lively performances, creating a festival atmosphere unlike that of a conventional golf tournament. A dedicated "High-Five Zone" also operated throughout the event, offering fans a chance to exchange high-fives with players and bringing the two sides closer together.

Spectators cheer on players to music at the Masters Lounge set up at the ninth hole of the 2026 Lexus Masters. [Lexus Korea]

This year's tournament also produced a first in the event's history: two players won Lexus vehicles as hole-in-one prizes. An Ji-min achieved a hole-in-one on the ninth hole in the first round, taking home an ES 350e — the battery electric variant of the eighth-generation All-New ES — becoming the first player ever to claim a Lexus vehicle hole-in-one prize at the tournament. Lee Sang-yeop then recorded a hole-in-one on the eighth hole in the second round, receiving the premium hybrid SUV NX 350h.

A fan village at the venue showcased Lexus's electrification lineup, including the recently launched eighth-generation All-New ES 350h, the flagship SUV LX 700h, the flagship MPV LM 500h and the plug-in hybrid SUV RX 450h+, allowing visitors to experience the brand's electric and hybrid models firsthand.

Additional programs included a driving simulator at the TGR Zone, complimentary beginner golf lessons, a mini putting area and a golf simulator.

A special program for Lexus owners also drew interest. Through the "Honorary Observer" program, Lexus owners accompanied players inside the ropes for all 18 holes, watching professionals up close. A dedicated Lexus Lounge was set up in front of the 18th green, embodying the brand's spirit of sincere hospitality — known as "omotenashi."

Lexus Korea President Konyama Manabu said the company was proud to have successfully wrapped up the third edition of the Lexus Masters amid the players' passionate performances and the crowd's warm enthusiasm. "We will continue to contribute to the development of golf culture in Korea alongside the KPGA, and work to grow the Lexus Masters into a differentiated golf festival where players, fans and customers can all enjoy and connect," Konyama said.

Meanwhile, Lexus Korea has been expanding its customer touchpoints through a range of marketing activities, including the recent successful conclusion of "Amazing Fashion," the autumn season program of its luxury lifestyle curation series "Road and Memory by Lexus."

likehyo85@heraldcorp.com