News
Sang-Moon Bae ruled back to South Korea for military conscription
Sang-Moon Bae, a two-time PGA Tour winner, will return to South Korea for two years of military service after losing a legal battle on Wednesday, according to a report from Yonhap News.
Bae was granted United States residency in 2013, but was charged with violating South Korea’s military service regulations in February. In the 29-year old’s home country, men between the ages of 18 and 35 must serve in the military for about two years, and men between 25 and 35 who have not yet served must obtain a special permit to stay overseas.
He was recently denied an extension on his expired travel permit, which would have allowed him to stay in the U.S., and filed an administrative suit in response against the Military Manpower Administration (MMA).
The Daegu District Court in Bae’s hometown, however, sided with the MMA, and he accepted the decision.
“I completely respect the court’s decision, and I humbly accept the judgment by the law,” Bae told Yonhap News. “I am sorry to those who have supported me, including all my fans and South Koreans, for causing anxiety.”
Bae, currently ranked No. 107 in the Official World Golf Rankings, has been allowed to stay in the U.S. and compete on the PGA Tour while the lawsuit transpired. He won the Frys.com Open in October 2014, competed in 21 events this season and most recently finished T54 at The Greenbrier, but says he will return to South Korea soon.
“I decided that I can mature further as a golfer by returning home as soon as I can and complete my mandatory military service,” Bae said.
Despite the ruling, he still remains in the field at this week’s RBC Canadian Open, which begins on Thursday.
In our forums, one user is wondering how many birdies other players have had in a round while still failing to break par. @Lalan45, unfortunately, asked the question after a unique experience of their own.
They wrote:
“Today I managed 8 birdies but still shot even par, could have been a round to remember! What’s the most birdies you’ve made in a round and still didn’t break par?”
Our members in the forum shared their own experiences with successful rounds that still resulted in a score over par. Here are a few posts from the thread, but make sure to check out the entire discussion and have your say at the link below.
- kwcsports: “I’ve had 5 a few times, still shot 80+ haha.”
- jda: “I played a course for the first time, had 8 birdies, 9 doubles and an eagle. The infamous no-par round. I kept the scorecard. Every shot had a creek that I did not know about, or I was within 8-10 feet for a birdie look. To this day, I have no idea if I should be really jacked up or mad about that performance.”
- jvincent: “I think my record is either 5 or 6. Probably shot 75.”
- Instron4204: “3 birdies and shot a 92…man I suck!”
In our forums, one user is asking for thoughts on the best stock shafts offered in 2026. Stock shafts are the shafts included with a club when it’s purchased from retailers or OEMs.
@DTorres asked:
The last couple years has seen a lot of updates and additions to no upcharge stock shafts, which do you think is the best offering in 2026?
Im a bit of a shaft nerd and recently during my Members Testing with the Callaway Quantum Triple Diamond I found the updated Project X Denali Frost Black to be a fantastic stock shaft. I absolutely did not mesh well with the original Denali. Just curious what other people think are the current best Stock shaft offerings out with new models and stock Ventus options and LinQ options popping up here and there.
We were given the option for any stock shafts for our members review. I went with the 70g Black Frost 6.5 because it’s a shaft I don’t have, it’s an updated version of the original Denali and hear little about. I typically use a Diamana WB, GD VF or a HOF Raptor. I’m not saying it was neck and neck with any of those but it was a pleasant surprise I’m not accustomed to in stock shaft offerings.
Our members in the forum have been offering up their own thoughts on the best stock shafts available in 2026. Here are a few posts from the thread, but make sure to check out the entire discussion and have your say at the link below.
- rsballer10: “IMO – MCA Ka’ili White Darkwave, Tensei 1k Black/white, UST Lin-Q White. People are free to spend their money however they see fit, but for me personally the shaft catalogs these days have enough options that I don’t see the value of a $400 upcharge. I have never had a problem finding a no upcharge shaft that fits the bend profile and weight that I need. Whether the paint job is good enough or not is above my pay scale.”
- bcflyguy1: “Project X Titan Black. I’ve had one in 60TX in my Quantum TD Max for several weeks now. Have to give Titlieist their flowers for finding a way to make it available as a featured option; very shrewd bit of business and one that I suspect will be duplicated by the other companies. TT/PX have a certified banger on their hands with Titan.”
- CTG77: “Undoubtedly, it’s the Tensei 1K RIP shafts from Titleist. The Tensei line gives about 98% of the performance of a Ventus VeloCore+ shaft at a tiny fraction of the cost if you’re looking for a blue or red profile. The white is not an exact match for Ventus Black, but it’s closer to it than the non-VeloCore+ Ventus shafts that come from Callaway or formerly came from TaylorMade.”
A reminder from your friends at GolfWRX: Father’s Day is June 21. And as we do every year, we’re rounding up the best gifts for dad.
As we say every year, there’s no better golf-related Father’s Day gift than a round of golf with pops. Be it a country club or your favorite muni, take the time to get together to play 18 if you can.
Let’s get to the gifts.
Ghost Golf Qualifier Diamond Polo
We like the new polos that Ghost is offering, as the fabric and fit are so good. These new Qualifier Collection polos breathe well, are lightweight, stretch with your swing, and of course look great. You can wear them on the course, in the office, or just out at a casual event and they will fit right in.
STR8-Strip Grip Tape Remover
If your dad is an equipment aficionado and tinkers with his clubs, this tool works wonders. Removing grip tape has never been easier, just put a little head on the tape and the STR8-Strip peals it right off the shaft without any damage.
Why Golf: Putting Thing
When it comes to practice, it is good to have a purpose. This “Putting Thing” sure does it. We know from personal experience how challenging it can be and how rewarding it is on the practice green. This also provides some competition for your kiddo to see who will unload the dishwasher or do the next chore around the house.
OluKai Lae‘ahi Men’s Breathable Slip-On Shoes
Riding to and from the course in style and comfort is always a good thing. If you’re in a hurry, it’s a nice feature to slide into your shoes and get to the tee time. For the post-game shoe, at your locker or while putting your clubs away in the car. Nice to slide into a shoe that looks good anywhere. Pair that with meeting the family for dinner, no need to change!
Therabody Theragun Relief
A little wellness goes a long way. Keeping loose is a good way to go when it comes to the weekend game or treatment during the week. If there is a little ache or pain, the Theragun is there to help out. Help loosen up the back for a pre-game warm-up or cool-down.
World Cup golf apparel
Something for the soccer dads. Embrace the World Cup fever this summer on the course with custom gear to support the nation of your choice.
FootJoy Pro SL spikeless golf shoes
Give the old man a break and save his feet with the Footjoy Pro SL Men’s Spikeless Golf Shoes for some added comfort on the course.
Bushnell Wingman 2 GPS speaker
Combine all the hits as well as some game improvement with the Wingman 2 Golf GPS Speaker by getting audible distance readings from 38,000+ courses worldwide through the Wingman 2 remote or speaker.
Personalized Titleist Pro V1 golf balls
The No. 1 ball in golf is a safe bet, and the Pro V1 fits the largest chunk of the bell curve if you don’t know what ball pops plays. Add personalization for a, well, personal touch!
- GolfWRX may earn a commission for purchases made through links on this page, at no extra cost to you.
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Steve Wozeniak
Jul 25, 2015 at 4:38 pm
Just think how much better we would be as a nation if we had that here!!!!!! We would have quite a few respectful people like this man, would we not??????
KK
Jul 26, 2015 at 3:32 pm
Mandatory military service is not the answer to producing more respectful people. I put a lot of blame on the parents who are raising these “disrespectful people.” If kids are taught to be respectful, then most of them will grow up to be respectful people. We hear stories all the time about parents getting into fist fights over their kids sporting events, fighting over parking spots or getting road rage, shooting people for silly reasons, fans knocking other fans out at professional events, or even spouses yelling at each other in front of their kids…..all of these things and countless others tell kids that its ok to act this way. A lot of people could be much more respectful to others, but mandatory military service is not the best option to getting there.
Joe
Jul 23, 2015 at 2:37 pm
Do your service to your nation, just as all other Koreans do…just because you have a great golf game should not exempt you.
Christosterone
Jul 25, 2015 at 9:24 am
if mandatory conscription were truly a necessary service then women would be required to enlist as well….or are they not as well appointed to perform military service? See what I did there?
-Christosterone
Joe
Jul 25, 2015 at 7:12 pm
Yes, I see what you did there; you made a dumb comment.
Christosterone
Jul 25, 2015 at 10:13 pm
How do you know I did not say it aloud?
-Christosterone
Christosterone
Jul 23, 2015 at 1:09 pm
other paul may not be popular but he’s not wrong either. I heard ballstrikka couldn’t play in the sandbox as a child cuz the cat would try to bury him
-Christosterone
Christosterone
Jul 25, 2015 at 9:02 am
Why would you steal someone else’s user name?
-Christosterone
Brian K
Jul 22, 2015 at 8:20 pm
You are funny. lol
Keith
Jul 22, 2015 at 3:30 pm
Wonder if he considered defecting? He’s going to give up prime earning years and it’s highly likely that his skills will erode without the time to practice and refine them. I’m sure it would be tough to turn your back on your country and heritage and never be able to return.
leo
Jul 22, 2015 at 4:40 pm
he should apply for citizenship from any country that will grant it quickly it wouldn’t be hard at all to turn your back on your country when millions of dollars are involved. golf is highly regarded in S. Korea so i think he will have plenty of opportunity to play and practice just not tournement rounds
Ph00ny
Jul 23, 2015 at 8:52 am
Not sure if that will solve anything since korea does not recognize dual citizenship last i heard. All because of some celebrity pulled a bait and switch when he said he would serve the military requirement on public tv and bailed out to US to avoid the miliatry service. This caused such an uproar that law makers made it a law to prevent people from obtaining foreign citizenship for men over 18 just to avoid military service
Brian K
Jul 22, 2015 at 8:19 pm
Don’t worry. He ll have tons of time to practice. Also He should teach Stars golf during 2 years of army service.
john
Jul 22, 2015 at 9:23 pm
a friend of mine is a professional golfer who had to return to korea for military service (not a tour player), he said you don’t get any time to practice.
other paul
Jul 22, 2015 at 1:23 pm
He should pay someone to go for him
Since they all look alike, shouldn’t be a problem
Hey Now...
Jul 22, 2015 at 2:51 pm
That is a pretty petty, offensive comment. I am sure your mother would be proud. Do you also have a confederate flag in the back window of your truck?
Mat
Jul 22, 2015 at 7:12 pm
yeah. sure you are.
TimJHU
Jul 23, 2015 at 7:44 am
Wow, there’s no place for comments like that on this sight. You need to talk with a professional about your bigoted views and try to rejoin the real world.
golfiend
Jul 23, 2015 at 1:52 pm
The rotten apple does not fall very far from the tree
other paul
Jul 23, 2015 at 4:49 pm
I wished I knew where you lived
Hey Now...
Jul 23, 2015 at 6:49 pm
I live in Liberal, Kansas. Come and get me pal.
doctorjedi
Aug 14, 2015 at 9:49 pm
Im asian and thats funny. People need to lighten up.