Lee Seung-taek, nicknamed "Bear," who debuted on the PGA Tour this season, will suspend his season due to a left ankle injury requiring surgery, his management company Be Number One announced on the 4th.
Lee first experienced pain in his left ankle during his tee shot in the third round of the PGA Tour's American Express tournament in January. His condition did not improve through the Farmers Insurance Open, prompting him to return to Korea late last month for detailed medical examinations.
The examination revealed a partial tear of the lateral ligament in his left ankle and os trigonum syndrome. The os trigonum is a small bone that protrudes abnormally behind the heel. In Lee's case, inflammation developed in the os trigonum, causing pain in the ligaments and nerves. Doctors determined that leaving the condition untreated could cause tissue damage, requiring both ligament repair surgery and removal of the os trigonum.
Lee has decided to undergo surgery this month and has filed for medical leave from the PGA Tour. Post-surgery rehabilitation is expected to take three to four months. Lee could return as early as the American Express tournament next year.
"Many people have been cheering me on, so it weighs heavily on my heart to deliver this unfortunate news due to injury," Lee said. "After completing surgery and rehabilitation, I will definitely return in good form next year."
Lee competed on the Korean Professional Golf Association (KPGA) Tour through the 2024 season. He qualified for the PGA Tour Qualifying School through his high ranking in KPGA Genesis Points and played on the Korn Ferry Tour, the PGA's second-tier circuit, last year. He then earned his PGA Tour card, awarded to the top 20 players on the Korn Ferry Tour, securing his place on golf's premier stage.