Perhaps the men's game with tees back further makes it a game of strength whereas the women's game with the tees further up makes strength less important.
I believe that's true. In the mens game size and strength is as asset that it difficult to overcome. The game is bomb and gouge now and there is absolutely no substitute for power. In the womens game its less about size and strength and the Asians are not giving anything away be being smaller of stature. That explains why Asian male golfers don't have the same success as the Asian women, but it doesn't explain why the Asian women are so dominant. If the playing field is even physically it's got to be something else.
Why do some Asians dominate in math and science? Because they work their asses off at it and accept nothing short of excellence. I think it's that simple. Lee Trevino said something to the effect that nobody is born with "natural touch" in golf and anyone that looks like they have it hit a million balls to get it. The Korean junior programs are extremely competitive and to make it through that the players have to work hard, hone every aspect of their games and most importantly, know how to compete. The Americans on the other hand the junior programs are not so tough and thanks to Title IX any player that can break 80 is going to get a college scholarship. There's not that killer instinct, they don't have to play often and don't have to win while the Koreans do. When you're playing for your future every week as a junior golfer you get tough or you find a new line of work. When you get rich being middle of the pack your attitude changes.
Who's the highest earning American golfer? Paula Creamer. And she is pretty terrible these days, not in the top 75 in the world. She's earned $200,000 playing this season and something like $20 million in endorsements. Why practice? She got married, doesn't work at it, stinks it up every week and they keep paying her.