The DPRK is hosting its Pyongyang Golf Course tournaments-- as it does every year -- and has offered foreign amateurs the opportunity to partake in the game.

This comes after recent reports revealed the country has begun to lift some of its COVID-19 measures which have been in force since 2020, with experts saying the country has been arguably the strictest in enforcing measures to combat the spread of the virus.

The golf tournaments thus represent a significant indication that the country is becoming more flexible on border controls, observers say.

"The Pyongyang Golf Course hosts an amateur golfers competition in spring and autumn every year," read a post from August 2 on Pyongyang's official DPR Korea Tour website.  

"Foreign amateurs can also take part in this competition held in spring and autumn in our country and develop friendships with Korean amateur golfers."  

The Pyongyang Golf Course on the picturesque shore of Lake Thaesong in the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea is frequented by golfers. There are 18 holes (6 777 yards in total), 9 at the first par and 9 at the second par, enough for accommodating 200 persons at a time. pic.twitter.com/qPF4MDl7T9

— KFA-UK (@Korea_Friend_UK) May 21, 2023

In another post, the DPRK's Ministry of Tourism said its agency, the Ryomyong Golf Travel Company, has developed new tourist attractions.

These include an underwater golf course, archery ground, and boating ground.  

Last month, Beijing confirmed that the DPRK had registered for this year's Asian Games which are due to be held in the Chinese city of Hangzhou in September. 

The Pyongyang Gold Course was launched in 1987 in celebration of the 75th birthday of the late Kim Il Sung.  

In 2018, the course underwent a major expansion project as 9 new holes, a new building, and new lodging facilities were added.

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