In this paper, an observer-based sampled-data controller of linear system is proposed for the wave energy converter. Based on the sampled-data observer, the controller is design. In the closed-loop system with controller, it obtains the norm inequality between the continuous-time state variable and the discrete-time one. Using the norm inequality, sufficient condition is derived for the asymptotic stability of the closed-loop system and formulated in terms of linear matrix inequality. Finally, the wave energy converter simulation is provided to verify the effectiveness of the proposed technique.