Sungjae Im and Song Joongki Create Memories at Masters Event
by Roh Woolae
Published 09 Apr.2026 06:23(KST)
Updated 09 Apr.2026 07:40(KST)
Paired as Player and One-Day Caddie at Par 3 Contest
Became Close Friends After Introduction by a Mutual Acquaintance
Song Joongki Plays for Sungjae Im on 9th Hole, Sharing Smiles
Sungjae Im teamed up with actor Song Joongki for the Par 3 Contest, the opening event of the Masters.
On April 8 (local time), at the Par 3 course of Augusta National Golf Club in Georgia, USA, Im played the Par 3 Contest alongside Song Joongki, with whom he is personally close. Song Joongki carried Im's golf bag as his caddie for the day, donning a white suit and transforming into a caddie. Sungjae Im competed in the Par 3 Contest with Bryson DeChambeau of the United States, known as "The Hulk," and Li Haotong of China.
Sungjae Im and Song Joongki first met in 2021 through a mutual acquaintance and became close friends through golf. They have maintained a close relationship, even visiting each other during the off-season. In 2022, Song Joongki attended Im's wedding as a guest. It is known that Im invited Song Joongki to join him in the Par 3 Contest to create a memorable experience for him.
Sungjae Im is teeing off at the 1st hole of the Par 3 Contest, a Masters event, while actor Song Joongki watches Sungjae Im's play carrying the caddie bag. Augusta=Reuters Yonhap News
원본보기 아이콘The Par 3 Contest is a Masters tradition that began in 1960. Players often bring their wives, girlfriends, or children as caddies and enjoy a festive atmosphere. Prizes are also awarded based on the contest results. This year, 79 out of the 91 total participants took part in the Par 3 Contest. In addition, nine past champions, who are not competing in the main event, also joined.
This was Sungjae Im's fourth appearance in the Par 3 Contest. In 2022, he played with his parents as caddies, and in 2023 and 2024, he participated with his wife, creating special memories. Last year, he skipped the Par 3 Contest to focus on the main tournament. Im's personal best finish at the Masters is a tie for second place in 2020.
Song Joongki, known as a golf enthusiast, also serves as a brand ambassador for The R&A in the United Kingdom. He participates in a variety of social contribution activities through golf and frequently travels to tour events worldwide. On this day, Song Joongki even took Sungjae Im's place and played at the 9th hole of the Par 3 Contest. He is an accomplished golfer, typically shooting in the 80s.
There have been several cases of Korean celebrities serving as caddies at the Masters Par 3 Contest. Singer Lee Seungchul was Yang Yong-eun's caddie in 2011, actor Bae Yongjoon carried Bae Sangmoon’s caddie bag in 2015, and actor Ryu Junyeol drew attention as Kim Joohyung's caddie in 2024.
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.