How did a golfer from Seoul become the youngest-ever U.S. Amateur champion at age 17? Byeong Hun An, widely known as Ben An, built an international career that spans elite amateur golf, the PGA Tour and the DP World Tour. Born on September 17, 1991, the South Korean professional golfer is 34 years old for most of 2026 and turns 35 on September 17, 2026.
This Byeong Hun An Biography covers his age, hometown, family background, parents, wife and children information, amateur achievements and professional golf career.
Byeong Hun An Biography: Quick Facts
| Full name | An Byeong-hun |
| Common name | Byeong Hun An, Ben An |
| Date of birth | September 17, 1991 |
| Age in 2026 | 34, turning 35 on September 17, 2026 |
| Birthplace and hometown | Seoul, South Korea |
| Nationality | South Korean |
| Height | 6 feet 2 inches (1.88 m) |
| Turned professional | 2011 |
| College | University of California, Berkeley |
| Parents | An Jae-hyung and Ja Hyun-jung, former South Korean table tennis stars |
Early Life, Hometown and Education
Byeong Hun An was born in Seoul, South Korea, and his early sporting path was strongly influenced by his athletic family. Although Seoul is his birthplace and hometown, he developed much of his golf game in the United States. He attended the IMG Academy in Florida before playing collegiate golf at the University of California, Berkeley.
An became one of the most highly regarded young amateur golfers in the world. In 2009, at 17 years old, he won the U.S. Amateur Championship at Southern Hills Country Club in Tulsa, Oklahoma. He defeated Ben Martin 7 and 5 in the 36-hole final, becoming the youngest winner in the championship’s history at that time.
The U.S. Amateur victory earned An invitations to major championships, including the Masters Tournament, U.S. Open and The Open Championship. It also established him as one of South Korea’s most promising golfers before he entered the professional ranks.
Byeong Hun An’s Parents and Sporting Family
Golf talent is only one part of the An family’s sporting story. Byeong Hun An’s father, An Jae-hyung, is a celebrated former South Korean table tennis player. His mother, Ja Hyun-jung, was also an accomplished international table tennis player.
Both parents represented South Korea at the highest level of the sport and won Olympic medals. Their experience as elite athletes gave Ben An a unique understanding of competitive pressure, travel and professional discipline from an early age. While his parents excelled in table tennis, their son chose golf and became one of South Korea’s leading male players on the global stage.
Professional Golf Career and Major Achievements
An turned professional in 2011 and initially competed on developmental tours before earning opportunities on the European Tour, now known as the DP World Tour, and the PGA Tour.
His breakthrough came in 2015 when he won the BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth Club in England. An finished at 21-under-par and won by six strokes, an exceptional margin at one of the DP World Tour’s flagship events. The victory also earned him the Sir Henry Cotton Rookie of the Year award for the 2015 European Tour season.
In 2024, An added another significant title by winning the Genesis Championship in South Korea. He defeated fellow South Korean star Tom Kim in a playoff at Jack Nicklaus Golf Club Korea, giving him a second DP World Tour victory.
On the PGA Tour, Ben An has consistently been recognized for his powerful ball-striking and high-level tee-to-green play. He has also represented the International Team at the Presidents Cup, including appearances in 2019 and 2024.
Byeong Hun An Wife and Children
Byeong Hun An keeps much of his personal life away from public attention. As of 2026, widely available official golf biographies and major tour profiles do not provide consistently verified details about his wife’s name or his children. For that reason, claims about An’s spouse or family should be treated cautiously unless confirmed directly by the golfer or an authoritative source.
His public profile remains centered on tournament golf, his South Korean heritage and the influence of his Olympic-medalist parents rather than his private family life.
What Is Byeong Hun An Known For?
- Winning the 2009 U.S. Amateur Championship at age 17.
- Becoming a standout South Korean male golfer on the PGA Tour and DP World Tour.
- Winning the 2015 BMW PGA Championship by six strokes.
- Winning the 2024 Genesis Championship in a playoff against Tom Kim.
- Being the son of former Olympic-medalist table tennis players An Jae-hyung and Ja Hyun-jung.
- Representing the International Team in the Presidents Cup.
Byeong Hun An Biography FAQs
Where is Byeong Hun An from?
Byeong Hun An is from Seoul, South Korea.
How old is Byeong Hun An in 2026?
He is 34 years old until September 16, 2026, and turns 35 on September 17, 2026.
Who are Byeong Hun An’s parents?
His parents are former South Korean table tennis players An Jae-hyung and Ja Hyun-jung.
What is Ben An’s biggest amateur achievement?
His most notable amateur achievement was winning the 2009 U.S. Amateur Championship at age 17.
Has Byeong Hun An won on the PGA Tour?
As of the latest widely documented results entering 2026, An’s notable professional wins include the BMW PGA Championship in 2015 and the Genesis Championship in 2024, both on the DP World Tour schedule.
