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S.H. Kim Faces Military Service After Masters Bid
The Valero Texas Open is the last chance for the South Korean golfer to qualify for the Masters before mandatory military service.
Mar. 17, 2026 at 1:53pm
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S.H. Kim, a 27-year-old South Korean golfer, is facing a difficult decision as he approaches the Valero Texas Open, the final event to qualify for the Masters. Kim has a 90-day travel extension that expires after the Texas Open, at which point he must return to South Korea to fulfill his mandatory military service. Despite his strong performance on the Korn Ferry Tour in 2025, earning his PGA Tour card, Kim's Masters dreams may be cut short by his impending military obligation.
Why it matters
South Korean golfers have long struggled with the impact of mandatory military service on their professional careers. Players like Sangmoon Bae and Seung-yul Noh have seen their careers disrupted by the two-year service requirement. The PGA Tour is working on a plan to help Kim continue playing during his service, but his path to the Masters remains uncertain.
The details
Kim, who turns 28 in September, finished eighth on the Korn Ferry Tour points list in 2025 to earn his PGA Tour card for the second time. However, his mandatory military service in South Korea is looming, and he was given a 90-day travel extension at the start of the year, which expires after the Valero Texas Open on April 2-5. Kim has been playing every week he has been eligible, with his best results being a tie for 13th in the Sony Open and a tie for 18th at The American Express.
- Kim's 90-day travel extension expires after the Valero Texas Open on April 2-5, 2026.
- Kim finished eighth on the Korn Ferry Tour points list in 2025 to earn his PGA Tour card for the second time.
The players
S.H. Kim
A 27-year-old South Korean golfer who is facing mandatory military service in South Korea, which will prevent him from continuing to play on the PGA Tour after the Valero Texas Open.
Sangmoon Bae
A South Korean golfer who went from the Presidents Cup in 2015 to military service, and has not been the same since his return.
Seung-yul Noh
A South Korean golfer whose return from military service coincided with the COVID-19 pandemic, which has impacted his career.
Sungjae Im
A South Korean golfer who competed in the 2023 Asian Games, where South Korea won the team gold medal.
Si Woo Kim
A South Korean golfer who also competed in the 2023 Asian Games, where South Korea won the team gold medal.
What they’re saying
“I'm playing until Valero. Anything after that is a lot of factors going into play. I might come back again this year. First I have to go back to Korea.”
— S.H. Kim (AP News)
“I was still scared as (expletive).”
— Si Woo Kim (AP News)
What’s next
The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.
The takeaway
This case highlights the ongoing challenges South Korean golfers face with mandatory military service, which can disrupt their professional careers at critical moments. The PGA Tour's efforts to support players like S.H. Kim during this transition period are important, but the ultimate impact on their playing opportunities remains uncertain.
