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Age Discrimination in Pro-Golf Qualifications [2007] KRNHRC 1 (1 January 2007)

Citizen "Yu" filed a complaint with the Commission that "H" Association Tournament
discriminated against those who were over 50 years old by placing an age limit of under 50
years old for the Qualifying School Tournament which golfers had to join to become
professional golfers.

"H" Association said that it imposed the age limit of 50 years for the following reasons:
First, it was very rare that golfers who were 50 years old or older passed the professional
golf tests. Second, it had to be prudent in selecting golfers, as players had to pay a big fee
to apply for the competitions and they would face huge financial loss if they were not high
in the rankings. Third, the competition for professional golfers required not only a high
level of technique, but also significant physical strength and endurance, but players who
were 50 years old or older had difficulties playing and might obstruct other players in the
competition.

After investigation, the Commission found that the current age limit was not reasonable,
considering that life expectancy was rapidly increasing and the correlation between age
and physical strength or the capacity to play golf became weaker due to advances in
medical and health technology. Also, it concluded that the financial burden was a personal
issue for the complainant and should not be the basis for qualification. The Commission
acknowledged that less competent players might obstruct other competent players by
delaying the competition. However, it was not reasonable for the respondent to limit the
age of players, because the respondent could resort to other alternatives to measure the
capacity of players such as an official lowest qualifying score if the respondent was
concerned that the complainant might interfere with other players in the competition.
The Commission recommended that "H" Association revise its regulations to ensure
that players who were 50 years old or older may participate in the Qualifying School
Tournament.