16-year-old Kris Kim makes PGA Tour debut

Amidst the anticipation surrounding the upcoming PGA Tour event, the CJ Cup Byron Nelson, held at TPC Craig Ranch in Texas, the spotlight is shining brightly on a young amateur golfer named Kris Kim. With 156 players set to compete, Kris Kim stands out as a rising star in the golfing world, drawing intense attention from the British media.

Kris Kim’s journey to prominence began last year when he made waves in the UK junior golf circuit by clinching several prestigious tournaments. His impressive victories included triumphs at the R&A Boys’ Amateur Championship, the McGregor Trophy, and the European Amateur Championship. His stellar performance continued at the Junior Ryder Cup, where he distinguished himself as the top player on the European team, securing three wins and one draw.

The spotlight on Kris Kim is not solely due to his remarkable talent but also his lineage. Born to Suh Ji-hyeon, a seasoned professional golfer who competed in Korea, Japan, and the United States, Kris Kim inherits a rich golfing pedigree. Suh, who achieved a commendable joint 15th place finish in the 1998 LPGA Tour Giant Eagle Classic, relocated to the UK after meeting her husband while playing on the Japanese tour. Embracing her role as a teaching professional at a golf club near London, Suh embarked on coaching her son at the tender age of seven, imparting invaluable wisdom and expertise gleaned from her own experiences on the golf course.

In a candid interview with the BBC, Kris Kim attributed much of his success to his mother, highlighting her influence in shaping his approach to the game. He emphasized the importance of managing stress, staying focused on each shot, and maintaining a resilient mindset in the face of adversity. As he prepares to make his debut on the PGA Tour, Kris Kim remains grounded, setting modest yet achievable goals for himself. “My first goal is to make the cut,” he shared humbly, acknowledging the competitive field of 156 participants. “The opportunity to win is open to everyone.”