Just as Sang-moon Bae comes back to the PGA Tour after nearly 2 years in the South Korean military on conscripted service, fellow countryman Seung-yul Noh will be leaving the tour soon for the same reason.
Ahead of this week's CJ Cup at Nine Bridges, Noh announced this would likely be his final event before joining the military in November. All able-bodied Korean men are required to join the military for 2 years between the ages of 18-35, barring meeting certain achievements to earn an exemption, including maintaining a green card in the United States for a profession like pro golfer.
Noh had three top-10 finishes last season on the PGA Tour, and the 26-year-old won the 2014 Zurich Classic of New Orleans, back when it was a solo event.
Noh will be eligible for a Major Mandatory Obligation extension if and when he chooses to return to the PGA Tour following his service. The Tour would give him a prescribed number of exempt starts to earn a required number of FedEx Cup points to regain full status.
