[2026 New Start New Challenge] Lee Seungtaek Makes PGA Debut in His 30s: "I Will Become a Super Rookie"

Born in 1995, Lee Seungtaek Reaches the Dream Stage via Korn Ferry Tour
PGA Tour Debut at Sony Open on January 15
"I Want to Build a Long Career Since I Started Late"

Born in July 1995, Lee Seungtaek is by no means young. While his physical abilities are not what they once were, his spirit remains as youthful as ever. This describes Lee Seungtaek, known as the "Brown Bear." In the Year of the Fire Horse, he will step onto the stage of the United States Professional Golf (PGA) Tour, where the world's best players compete.

Lee Seungtaek declared, "Since I started late, I want to be the player with the longest career," adding, "My primary goal is to keep my tour card, but I also aim to frequently finish in the top five and, if the opportunity arises, challenge for victories to establish myself as a super rookie." He emphasized, "My heart is pounding beyond words as I finally join the PGA Tour, which has always been my dream. Since I have endured all these years for this goal, I will do my best to show a great performance this season."

[2026 New Start New Challenge] Lee Seungtaek Makes PGA Debut in His 30s: "I Will Become a Super Rookie"

Lee Seungtaek, who went through the Konferi Tour to achieve his dream, will make his debut on the PGA Tour this year. Photo by AFP Yonhap News

Lee Seungtaek became a national team member before debuting on the Korea Professional Golf Association (KPGA) Tour in 2015. He is known for his aggressive play, driven by powerful long shots. However, he spent many years in obscurity. Although he never lost his tour card, victory always eluded him. There were times when he even considered quitting golf. The turning point came in 2020, when he served as a rifleman in an Army infantry division. He said, "I was surprised to see others envy my profession during my military service," adding, "That was the first time I felt proud of having a good job."

After being discharged in June 2022, he returned to the KPGA Tour in 2023 and, at the 2024 Lexus Masters, won his first-ever title in his 10th year since debut. It was a valuable achievement in his 112th appearance. With this victory, he ranked fifth in the KPGA Tour Genesis Points and earned eligibility to compete in the second stage of the PGA Tour Qualifying (Q) School. He tied for 14th place in the Q School second stage, advancing to the final stage, where he again tied for 14th, securing a spot on the 2025 Korn Ferry (secondary) Tour.

Lee Seungtaek is smiling brightly holding the trophy after winning the 2024 Lexus Masters, marking his first victory in 10 years since his debut. Photo by KPGA

He proved his competitiveness on the Korn Ferry Tour as well. With one runner-up finish and six top-10 finishes, he ranked 13th in points, earning a PGA Tour card for the next season, which is awarded to the top 20 players. He became the first player to enter the PGA Tour via the Korn Ferry Tour through the KPGA Tour Genesis Points privilege system. He expressed his gratitude, saying, "Thanks to this great system, I was able to stand on the big stage."

Some viewed his challenge as a late start. In contrast to his peer Kim Siwoo, who joined the PGA Tour in his teens, some considered Lee's attempt reckless. However, Lee Seungtaek asserted, "Age doesn't matter." He reflected, "In the early days of the Korn Ferry Tour, everything was difficult-travel distances, language, food-but by interacting with other players and making good use of what I learned on the KPGA Tour, I was able to grow."

Lee Seungtaek is a player who reduces his score by relying on powerful long hits. Photo by AFP Yonhap News

He trained harder than anyone else to survive. He practiced from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. and didn't rest even on days without tournaments. He said, "The training environment in the United States is truly excellent. I found answers through practice." He also put great effort into studying English. "Whenever I didn't understand an expression in conversation, I would study it separately in the evening and use it again the next day. I found the process of improving my skills to be enjoyable," he said with a smile.

After finishing last season, he briefly recharged with a trip to Japan before resuming training. Considering the long travel distances required on the PGA Tour, he is focusing on building up his physical strength. He stated, "To succeed on the PGA Tour, iron shots and striking ability are crucial," and added, "I will raise my shot accuracy and go all in."

He named Scottie Scheffler and Rory McIlroy as the players he most wants to meet. "On the Korn Ferry Tour, we call those two players 'gods,'" he said, expressing his anticipation, "I'm curious to see just how extraordinary their performances will be in person."

Lee Seungtaek, who is focusing on green-side play and putting practice, has set maintaining his PGA Tour card as his primary goal. Photo by AFP Yonhap News

Lee Seungtaek plans to compete in 28 to 30 tournaments this season. He moved to the United States early and is currently dedicating 10 hours a day to training. He said, "Except for the signature events, I think I can participate in most tournaments," adding, "Since it's my first year on the PGA Tour, I'll pay close attention to managing my condition and compete in as many events as possible."

His PGA Tour debut will be at the Sony Open, which opens on January 15 in Hawaii, United States. He said, "The PGA Tour is a cold-blooded stage," but added, "I'm excited and curious to see how far I can go." He smiled brightly, saying, "If I can compete in a major tournament and even win, I will feel confident that the way I've played golf so far has been the right path."