Bae refuses army call-up

South Korean golfer Bae Sang-moon intends to compete on the PGA Tour next week despite being legally required to report for military service in his home nation.
All South Korean men between the ages of 18 and 35 are required to complete two years of military service as the country is still technically at war with North Korea.
Bae must return to Korea to report for service before the end of January or he could face criminal charges.
However, the 28-year-old’s manager told Reuters that Bae intends to continue competing on the PGA Tour despite this.
“(Bae) is seeking legal counsel to work through the military issues in Korea,” his manager said.
“He has a valid green card, and Sang-moon intends to stay in the United States as long as it is lawful to do so and play on the PGA Tour this year, beginning with next week’s Hyundai Tournament of Champions at Kapalua Resort on the Hawaiian island of Maui.”
A previous report stated that Bae’s mother revealed that her son had a request for an extension of his travel visa denied by the government.
The country has waived the mandatory military service for successful athletes in the past. Bae won his PGA Tour title Frys.Com Open in October.
The world number 84 is the South Korea’s highest ranked golfer and is expected to represent the nation at the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio.
Latest
-
PGA Championship
Tiger Woods will expect to do better at US PGA Championship – Curtis Strange
Woods returned to top-level action after a long injury absence with a 47th-placed finished at the Masters.
-
PGA Championship
Defending champion Phil Mickelson withdraws from US PGA Championship
The six-time major winner has been taking a break from golf.
-
PGA Tour
English rookie David Skinns shares lead in Texas
The 40-year-old from Lincoln shot a second-round 63 in the AT&T Byron Nelson.
-
PGA Championship
Jordan Spieth looking for career grand slam at US PGA Championship
The presence or absence of defending champion Phil Mickelson which will dominate the conversation at Southern Hills.
-
PGA Championship
5 contenders to win the US PGA Championship
Tiger Woods could contend for victory in Tulsa.
-
News
We’ve got your back – Greg Norman promises to defend players on breakaway tour
Phil Mickelson and Lee Westwood are among the professionals to have asked for the required release to play the first event at Centurion Club.
-
Ryder Cup
Thomas Bjorn named as Henrik Stenson’s first vice-captain for 2023 Ryder Cup
Stenson was one of Bjorn’s 12 players when he led Europe to 2018 glory in Paris.
-
PGA Tour
Greg Norman criticises PGA Tour after LIV Golf Invitational Series block
Phil Mickelson and Lee Westwood are among the players known to have asked for the required release.
-
News
Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson confirmed for US PGA Championship
Woods last appeared at the Masters while Mickelson has not played since February.
-
European Tour
Thorbjorn Olesen savours ‘special’ British Masters win after ‘some tough years’
The Dane was at a loss for words after securing his first win since 2018.