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Swan Song: Golfer Bae Sang-moon receives Presidents Cup captain’s pick

September 8, 2015
Sang-Moon Bae, of South Korea, follows his shot from the second tee during the first round of the Tournament of Champions golf tournament, Friday, Jan. 9, 2015, in Kapalua, Hawaii. (AP Photo/Marco Garcia)

Sang-Moon Bae, of South Korea, follows his shot from the second tee during the first round of the Tournament of Champions golf tournament, Friday, Jan. 9, 2015, in Kapalua, Hawaii. (AP Photo/Marco Garcia)

By Brian Han

South Korean golfer Bae Sang-moon will end his season on a bittersweet note in his home country as one of two Presidents Cup captain’s picks.

The South Korean government ordered the 29-year-old to begin a mandatory two-year stint in its military, which he will have to begin soon after the Presidents Cup on Oct. 11.

Nick Price’s choice seems like a smart one considering that Bae has won two professional events at the Jack Nicklaus Golf Club Korea in Incheon, but that’s assuming that he can keep his focus on the competition.

“I am really happy now. I’d like to thank Captain Price for selecting me to represent the International Team,” he said during a telephone conference call. “Actually, I am really in a tough situation right now. I just want to try to focus on my game and on the Presidents Cup. It’s going to be in my home country, and I will do my best.”

Bae is a two-time PGA Tour winner, and his most recent came at the beginning of the 2014-2015 season at the Frys.com Open. But his play experienced a gradual decline over time as he became embroiled in legal conflict.

He ended up missing nine cuts and only made four top-10s in 27 starts after that point.

It is not even clear if Bae will be available to join the International Team  by Aug. 6 when the tournament begins, but both he and Price seem fairly confident.

“I am pretty sure he will be cleared to play,” Price said although he admitted to having a back up in mind just in case.

“It shouldn’t be a problem,” Bae told reporters with a modicum of uncertainty. “Price just picked me up and I’ve got to play the Presidents Cup. I will do the service after that. It shouldn’t be a problem.”

New Zealander Danny Lee will also be playing on the International Team after coming within the top-10 in the Presidents Cup standings. He was born in Incheon and expressed that his main goal for the year was to make the team and play in front of family and friends.

Price’s other pick was Australian Steven Bowditch. The team will be led by PGA Championship winner and New Zealander Jason Day.