Professional golfer
Tom Kim
Tom Kim is one of golf’s most exciting young professionals: a South Korean PGA TOUR winner known for creativity, speed of play and infectious personality. He broke through early, became a multiple-time winner before turning 21, and returned to the winner’s circle at the 2026 Genesis Scottish Open.
Ask HH about Tom Kim
AT A GLANCE
Quick facts
- Born
- June 21, 2002Seoul, South Korea
- Turned pro
- 2018As a teenager
- PGA TOUR wins
- 4Through 2026
- Best major result
- T22023 Open Championship
- Residence
- Dallas, Texas
- Career identity
- Creative shotmakerAggressive and adaptable
THE STORY
What to know
At a glance
A global golf nomad
Born in Seoul and turned professional as a teenager, Kim developed through tours in Asia before becoming a PGA TOUR regular. He is based in Dallas and represents South Korea internationally.
Career highlights
Four PGA TOUR victories
Kim won the 2022 Wyndham Championship, captured the Shriners Children’s Open twice in 2022 and 2023, and won the 2026 Genesis Scottish Open.
- 2022 Wyndham Championship
- 2022 Shriners Children’s Open
- 2023 Shriners Children’s Open
- 2026 Genesis Scottish Open
Major record
A near miss at The Open
His best major result is a runner-up finish at the 2023 Open Championship at Royal Liverpool, where he finished behind Brian Harman.
- 2023 Open Championship — T2
- 2026 U.S. Open — T3
Playing style
Creative, aggressive and adaptable
Kim is at his best when he can attack with imagination rather than play cautiously. He is a strong iron player, comfortable shaping shots, and especially dangerous when momentum builds.
- Excellent short-game creativity
- Comfortable flighting and shaping irons
- Aggressive match-play mindset
- Fast, confident decision-making
International golf
A major figure for South Korea
Kim has represented South Korea in the Presidents Cup and other international competitions. His emotional, energetic style has made him one of the country’s most recognizable young athletes.
- 2022 Presidents Cup
- 2023 Presidents Cup
- South Korea international teams
Current outlook
The next step is major contention
The 2026 Scottish Open win ended a long gap between PGA TOUR victories and reaffirmed Kim’s ceiling. His next challenge is converting strong major performances into a championship.
- Re-established winning form in 2026
- Top-three major finish already on résumé
- Still among golf’s most watchable young players
Why fans connect
Big personality, real emotion
Kim celebrates openly, shows frustration honestly and brings visible energy to team events. That emotional transparency has made him unusually popular with fans, especially when the pressure is high.
Background
His route to the PGA TOUR
Kim built his early résumé across the Philippine, Asian and Korean golf circuits before quickly advancing onto the biggest stages. He became a full PGA TOUR member after his breakthrough in 2022.
- Early success on Asian developmental tours
- Asian Tour Order of Merit winner
- PGA TOUR breakthrough at age 20
CAREER & GOLF JOURNEY
Notable moments
Turns professional
Begins his professional career as a teenager.
Breakthrough in Asia
Wins multiple international events across the Asian golf circuit.
Asian Tour rise
Wins the Asian Tour Order of Merit and establishes himself as a leading young player.
First PGA TOUR win
Wins the Wyndham Championship and earns full PGA TOUR status.
Two wins before age 21
Adds the Shriners Children’s Open and becomes the first player since Tiger Woods to win twice on the PGA TOUR before turning 21.
Major breakthrough
Finishes runner-up at The Open Championship at Royal Liverpool.
Returns to victory lane
Wins the Genesis Scottish Open at The Renaissance Club.
RECENT FORM
Recent results and activity
| Event | Result | Date |
|---|---|---|
| Genesis Scottish Open | Winner | 2026 |
| U.S. Open | T3 | 2026 |
| The Open Championship | T2 | 2023 |
HH take
Why this profile is worth exploring
Tom Kim is already a proven winner, but his career will likely be defined by whether his creativity and personality translate into a major championship.