Sangmoon Bae, a South Korean professional golfer, has carved a unique path in the golfing world with his resilience and skill. From early triumphs in Asia to overcoming a mandatory military hiatus, his journey reflects dedication and adaptability. Let’s explore his personal life, career milestones, financial standing, and current stats.
Sangmoon Bae’s Biography
| Category | Details |
| Full Name | Sangmoon Bae |
| Nickname | N/A |
| Born | June 21, 1986 (Daegu, South Korea) |
| Age | 38 |
| College | Sungkyunkwan University |
| Nationality | South Korean |
| Height | 6’0″ |
| Turned Pro | 2004 |
| Net Worth | $6.7–$6.8 million (estimated) |
| Salary | Varies annually (career earnings: $6.7M+) |
| Spouse | Single |
| Relationship | Focused on career; has a son, Jayden Lian |
| N/A |
Early Career
Sangmoon Bae’s early career laid the foundation for his rise as one of Asia’s most promising golfers.
Turning professional in 2004 at age 18, he initially competed on the Korean Tour, where his talent quickly shone. His breakthrough came in 2006 with a six-stroke victory at the Emerson Pacific Group Open, marking his first professional win. By 2007, he expanded his reach, winning the SK Telecom Open, a co-sanctioned Asian Tour and Korean Tour event, defeating notable players like Aaron Baddeley.
This victory highlighted his ability to perform under pressure on larger stages. The momentum continued in 2008 with a dramatic one-stroke win at the Kolon-Hana Bank Korea Open, where he edged out Ian Poulter. That same year, he claimed the KEB Invitational on the Korean Tour, further solidifying his reputation.
In 2009, Bae secured the GS Caltex Maekyung Open in a playoff against Ted Oh, showcasing his clutch performance skills. His consistency earned him the Korean Tour Order of Merit title that year, a testament to his dominance in regional circuits.
Bae’s success transcended borders in 2011 when he joined the Japan Golf Tour. Over a two-month span, he triumphed at the Vana H Cup KBC Augusta, Coca-Cola Tokai Classic, and Japan Open, becoming the season’s top money earner with ¥151 million.
This achievement made him the second consecutive South Korean to win the Japan Tour’s money title after Kim Kyung-tae. His world ranking soared to 26th in 2011, and he qualified for the 2012 PGA Tour via a T11 finish at Q-School. These milestones set the stage for his transition to global competitions, proving his readiness to compete against the world’s best.
Professional Career
Sangmoon Bae’s professional journey is a tale of early dominance, global success, and resilience through adversity. Turning pro in 2004 at age 18, he quickly made his mark on the Korean Tour, winning the 2006 Emerson Pacific Group Open by six strokes.
By 2007, he captured the SK Telecom Open, a co-sanctioned Asian Tour event, defeating established names like Aaron Baddeley. His 2008 Kolon-Hana Bank Korea Open victory over Ian Poulter and a playoff win at the 2009 GS Caltex Maekyung Open cemented his status as South Korea’s rising star.
In 2011, Bae shifted to the Japan Golf Tour, where he won three titles—including the prestigious Japan Open—in just two months, topping the money list with ¥151 million. This success earned him a PGA Tour card via Q-School, where he finished T11. His 2012 PGA Tour debut saw early promise, including a playoff loss at the Transitions Championship and a quarterfinal run at the WGC-Accenture Match Play Championship.
Bae’s PGA Tour breakthrough came in 2013 at the HP Byron Nelson Championship. Trailing Keegan Bradley by one stroke entering the final round, he surged ahead with four early birdies, survived a mid-round collapse, and clinched victory by two strokes. His second win came at the 2014 Frys.com Open, where a final-round 73 held off Steven Bowditch.
These triumphs earned him a captain’s pick for the 2015 Presidents Cup, but his career stalled when South Korea enforced his mandatory military service (2015–2017). Post-service, Bae struggled to regain form, missing 11 cuts in 17 starts during the 2017–18 season. However, a gritty win at the 2018 Albertsons Boise Open on the Korn Ferry Tour secured his PGA Tour return.
Despite flashes of brilliance—like a third-place finish at the 2022 Fortinet Championship—consistency eluded him. By 2025, he competes primarily on the Korn Ferry Tour, ranking T133rd in points, with earnings dipping below $5,000 annually.
Bae’s career stats reflect his highs and challenges: 13 worldwide wins, including two PGA Tour titles and a Presidents Cup appearance, contrasted with a 50% cuts-made rate on the PGA Tour. His best world ranking of 26th (2011) has since plummeted to 633rd, but his legacy as a trailblazer for Korean golfers endures.
Sangmoon Bae’s Net Worth Details
Sangmoon Bae’s net worth is estimated to be $6.7–6.8 million as of 2025.
Career Earnings
| Season | Earnings |
| 2011–12 | $1,165,952 |
| 2012–13 | $1,714,640 |
| 2013–14 | $718,111 |
| 2014–15 | $2,599,632 |
| 2017–18 | $184,057 |
| 2018–19 | $172,472 |
| 2019–20 | $37,910 |
| 2020–21 | $40,945 |
| 2021–22 | $14,040 |
| 2024 Procore Champ | $26,100 |
| 2025 Astara Champ | $4,900 |
| Total | $6,787,198 |
Endorsements
Sangmoon Bae’s primary equipment partnership is with Callaway Golf, a relationship dating back to his early PGA Tour days in 2012. He uses a full Callaway setup, including the Paradym Triple Diamond driver, Apex TCB irons, and Jaws Raw wedges with Face Chrome finishes. His bag also features an Odyssey White Hot OG 7S putter and a Chrome Tour X golf ball.
Though no other major brand deals are publicly confirmed, regional sponsorships in South Korea likely supplement his income, aligning with his status as a respected figure in Asian golf circles. Bae’s consistent use of Callaway gear—even during recent Korn Ferry Tour events—underscores his loyalty to the brand.
Career Stats
| Category | Stats |
| PGA Tour Wins | 2 (2013 HP Byron Nelson Championship, 2014 Frys.com Open) |
| Japan Golf Tour Wins | 3 (2011 Vana H Cup KBC Augusta, Coca-Cola Tokai Classic, Japan Open) |
| Asian Tour Wins | 3 (2007 SK Telecom Open, 2008 Korea Open, 2009 GS Caltex Maekyung Open) |
| Korn Ferry Tour Wins | 1 (2018 Albertsons Boise Open) |
| Korean Tour Wins | 9 (2006–2014) |
| Presidents Cup Appearances | 1 (2015) |
| Best World Ranking | 26th (2011) |
| Current OWGR (2025) | 633rd |
Major Championships Performance
| Tournament | Best Finish | Cuts Made | Top 10s |
| Masters Tournament | T33 (2015) | 2/3 | 0 |
| U.S. Open | T42 (2011) | 1/4 | 0 |
| The Open Championship | T64 (2012) | 1/2 | 0 |
| PGA Championship | T54 (2012) | 2/3 | 0 |
FAQs
1. What is Sangmoon Bae’s current net worth?
Sangmoon Bae’s net worth is estimated between $6.7–6.8 million. This primarily stems from $6.7M+ in career prize money and undisclosed endorsements. His peak earnings occurred during the 2014–15 PGA Tour season, where he earned $2.6M, while recent earnings average under $50K annually due to inconsistent performances.
2. How many PGA Tour wins does Sangmoon Bae have?
Bae has two PGA Tour wins: the 2013 HP Byron Nelson Championship and the 2014 Frys.com Open. He also holds three Asian Tour wins, nine Korean Tour victories, and a Korn Ferry Tour title (2018 Albertsons Boise Open). His last PGA Tour victory came before his mandatory military service in 2015.
3. Why did Sangmoon Bae take a break from golf in 2015?
Bae paused his career from 2015–2017 to fulfill South Korea’s mandatory military service. He served as a rifleman after losing an appeal to extend his work visa. His world ranking dropped to 1,869th post-service, but he regained his PGA Tour card in 2018 through a Korn Ferry Tour win.
4. What are Sangmoon Bae’s total career earnings?
As of 2025, Bae’s career earnings total $6,787,198 from PGA Tour and Korn Ferry Tour events. His highest-earning season was 2014–15 ($2.6M). Recent earnings dipped significantly, with $4,900 from the 2025 Astara Championship. Additional income from Asian/Japan Tours and endorsements isn’t publicly disclosed.
5. Does Sangmoon Bae have children?
Yes, Bae has a son named Jayden Lian. While details about Jayden’s mother remain private, Bae often mentions his son as a motivational figure. He balances fatherhood with his golf career but has kept his family life largely out of the public eye since his military return.
6. How has Sangmoon Bae performed in 2025?
In 2025, Bae ranks T133rd on the Korn Ferry Tour Points List, earning $4,900 from two events. He withdrew from the Puerto Rico Open (PGA Tour) and finished T39 at the Astara Championship. His recent struggles include missed cuts and adapting to post-military competitive play.
7. What happened during the alleged robbery in Colombia?
During the 2025 Astara Championship, Bae reportedly faced armed robbers in Colombia while riding an Uber. Two men on motorcycles targeted his watch, leading to a confrontation where Bae disarmed one assailant. He escaped unharmed and competed in the tournament, though the incident remains unconfirmed by his team.
8. What golf equipment does Sangmoon Bae use?
Bae uses Callaway gear, including a Paradym Triple Diamond driver, Apex TCB irons, Jaws Raw wedges, and an Odyssey White Hot OG 7S putter. He’s partnered with Callaway since 2012, maintaining loyalty even during his Korn Ferry Tour appearances. No other major endorsement deals are publicly known.
9. What are Sangmoon Bae’s early career achievements?
Bae turned pro in 2004, winning the 2006 Emerson Pacific Group Open on the Korean Tour. He claimed the 2007 SK Telecom Open (Asian/Korean Tour) and the 2008 Korea Open. By 2011, he dominated the Japan Golf Tour with three wins, including the Japan Open, topping its money list.
10. How did Sangmoon Bae qualify for the PGA Tour?
Bae earned his PGA Tour card through a T11 finish at the 2011 Q-School. His 2011 Japan Tour success (Â¥151M earnings) and world No. 26 ranking bolstered his transition. He debuted in 2012, reaching the WGC Match Play quarterfinals and losing a playoff at the Transitions Championship.
