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Bae Sang-moon to begin 2-year military service next week

November 10, 2015
International team player Bae Sang-moon, right, of South Korea is embraced by compatriot and team vice captain K.J.Choi after winning their four ball match at the Presidents Cup golf tournament at the Jack Nicklaus Golf Club Korea, in Incheon, South Korea, Friday, Oct. 9, 2015.(AP Photo/Lee Jin-man)

International team player Bae Sang-moon, right, of South Korea is embraced by compatriot and team vice captain K.J.Choi after winning their four ball match at the Presidents Cup golf tournament at the Jack Nicklaus Golf Club Korea, in Incheon, South Korea, Friday, Oct. 9, 2015.(AP Photo/Lee Jin-man)

By Brian Han

South Korean professional golfer Bae Sang-moon will begin his mandatory two-year military service beginning next week.

The two-time PGA Tour winner fittingly ended his pre-duty career in South Korea for the Presidents Cup where he put together a memorable performance that helped the International Team nearly end a 17-year winning drought.

The 29-year-old got caught up in a year-long legal battle with his home country over an expired visa. Because he had allegedly spent too much time in South Korea, he was unable to receive an extension.

Bae had his best career performance in the 2014-15 season after winning the Frys.com Open and earning almost $2.6 million thanks to an additional five top-10s.

He will be eligible to join the PGA Tour again in late-2017 after he finishes his service in Chuncheon, Gangwon Province, which is less than 40 miles from Seoul.

Bae will also have opportunities to practice during his time in the military.