Foxconn and SoftBank Drive JLPGA's Historic $2M Return to Taiwan

TAIPEI, Jan. 14, 2026 -- Women's professional golf in Taiwan is set for a monumental resurgence as the Japan Ladies Professional Golfers' Association (JLPGA) Tour makes its official return to the island for the first time in 48 years. Rebranded and elevated, the "2026 Taiwan Foxconn Ladies Golf Tournament" will bring Asia's most lucrative women's golf tour to Taoyuan this March, backed by a record-setting US$2 million purse and the formidable partnership of technology behemoths Hon Hai Technology Group (Foxconn) and SoftBank Corp.

The event, formerly known as the Foxconn TLPGA Players Championship, has been integrated into the official JLPGA circuit, a move that promises to attract an elite international field and cast a global spotlight on Taiwan's burgeoning golf scene. This historic homecoming is not just a tournament; it represents the revival of a rich legacy and a powerful investment in the future of the sport.

A Legacy Reawakened

The JLPGA's nearly five-decade absence from Taiwan has been a long-felt gap for a nation with a deep and proud golf history. The tour was once a celebrated stage for Taiwanese talent, most notably for the legendary Ai-yu Tu. Her phenomenal career on the JLPGA Tour, where she amassed an incredible 71 championships and secured the money-title seven times, remains a benchmark of excellence. Inducted into the Japanese Golf Hall of Fame, Ms. Tu's achievements are woven into the fabric of Asian golf history.

Fittingly, Ai-yu Tu will serve as a special advisor for the 2026 tournament, providing a crucial link between a glorious past and a promising future. Her presence symbolizes the tournament's ambition to not only host a world-class competition but also to inspire a new generation of Taiwanese athletes.

"Ms Tu's glorious achievements on the JLPGA Tour have been a source of pride for Taiwan," said TLPGA Chairwoman Huang Pi-hsun. "I am grateful for Foxconn's support, which has allowed this dream tour to return to Taiwan after 48 years, giving young players a stage to challenge the world."

The sentiment is shared by the JLPGA. "Over the past two years, we have witnessed TLPGA and Foxconn successfully taking the game to an elite playing level," commented JLPGA Vice President Takako Matsuo. "As one of Asia's flagship tournaments this year, we very much look forward to bringing Japanese players to Taiwan in March for high-level competition."

The Corporate Powerhouses Behind the Purse

The tournament's elevated status and record prize money are directly fueled by its powerful corporate sponsors. Title sponsor Foxconn, the world's largest electronics manufacturer, has steadily increased its investment in the event since its inauguration in 2024, signaling a deliberate strategic move to expand its brand identity beyond the realm of technology and manufacturing.

This high-profile sponsorship aligns with a broader corporate strategy of building brand visibility and fostering deeper community engagement in key markets. By associating with an elite sporting event that promotes female athletes and regional development, the Taiwanese tech giant enhances its public image and reinforces its commitment to its home base. The partnership also creates a platform for cross-promotion with other regional brands, injecting economic vitality into the local ecosystem.

Adding a new layer of intrigue and financial might is the tournament's first-time special sponsor, Japanese technology powerhouse SoftBank Corp. While SoftBank's business is primarily focused on technology investments and B2B relationships, its participation alongside Foxconn suggests a strategic alignment. Such high-profile sporting events serve as powerful networking venues for corporate leaders and investors, aligning perfectly with SoftBank's goals of fostering strategic relationships and enhancing its brand prestige in the competitive Asian market. The collaboration of these two tech titans underscores a growing trend of technology companies leveraging sports to drive brand narrative and influence.

A Game-Changing Purse in Women's Golf

The US$2 million prize purse is more than just a headline-grabbing figure; it is a transformative sum that significantly elevates the tournament's stature on the global stage. As the second-highest purse on the entire 2026 JLPGA Tour, it is a powerful magnet for top-tier talent from Japan and across the world.

When placed in the context of other major women's tours, its significance becomes even clearer. The prize money is substantially higher than the top purses on the Korea Ladies Professional Golf Association (KLPGA) Tour and is comparable to several high-value events on the Ladies European Tour (LET). While it doesn't reach the heights of the largest LPGA Tour events in the United States, it firmly positions the Taiwan Foxconn Ladies Golf Tournament as a premier event in the Asia-Pacific region. This substantial financial incentive not only rewards elite performance but also contributes to the professionalization of women's sports, making a career in golf more viable and attractive for aspiring female athletes in Asia.

The tournament is scheduled to take place from March 12-15 at the scenic Orient Golf & Country Club in Taoyuan, a venue known for its championship-caliber course. With global broadcast coverage planned, the event is set to deliver thrilling competition while showcasing Taiwan's capacity to host world-class sporting events and its appeal as a premier golf tourism destination. Fans can follow the action through the tournament's official Facebook page and on Foxconn's official Instagram account.