This 16-Year-Old with LPGA Roots Will Make His Tour Debut at CJ CUP Byron Nelson

Kris Kim’s Mom, Ji-Hyun Suh, played on the LPGA Tour for two years in the late 1990s.

Now, he is set to make his first PGA Tour start at this weekend’s CJ CUP Byron Nelson — and he’s just 16 years old.

Kim has already won various high-level tournaments, including the R&A Boys’ Amateur Championship, the European Boys Individual Championship, and the McGregor Trophy, given to the winner of a three-day Stroke-Play Championship in England.

He also went undefeated at the Junior Ryder Cup.

Kim will play at the CJ CUP Byron Nelson this week on a sponsor exemption. 

He said in a press release:

“I can’t wait to play in front of big crowds again. I’ve never hit the ball as far as I did at the Ryder Cup. The adrenaline rush makes golf so much fun. That said, having played that course, and a few more Tour courses, I appreciate the task ahead and look forward to the challenge.”

Kim is sponsored by Under Armour and TaylorMade.

Kris Kim 🤝 TaylorMade.

We’re excited to welcome Kris to the squad on an NIL agreement! He’s making his professional start this week at the CJ Cup Bryon Nelson. #TeamTaylorMade pic.twitter.com/y0o9RHYDgR

— TaylorMadeGolfEurope (@TaylorMadeTour) April 30, 2024

Of course, at 16 years old, there is plenty to be nervous about. He will be playing against some names like Jordan Spieth and Jason Day, players who were winning Major Championships when he was just six years old.

He has a great outlook on how things will transpire:

“My first aim is to make the cut and then see what happens. At the end of the day, I’m one of 144 competitors, and we’ve all got a chance.”

Cover Image via Sky Sports