At Glance
‣ 16-year-old amateur Kris Kim became the youngest European to make the cut in PGA Tour history during his debut at The CJ Cup Byron Nelson, breaking Jordan Spieth’s record for the youngest player to achieve this in the tournament’s history.
‣ Kris Kim, the son of former LPGA Tour player Ji-Hyun Suh, showcased remarkable performance with scores of 68 and 67 in the first two rounds, demonstrating resilience and skill beyond his years.
‣ Despite facing pressure, especially being on the cut line towards the end of his second round, Kim managed to secure his place for the weekend play, finishing in a tie for 36th and setting his sights on performing even better in the final two rounds.
The fifth-youngest player to ever make a cut on TOUR 👏
Kris Kim is playing the weekend @CJByronNelson.
— PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR)
Kris Kim, just 16, is rewriting history books at The CJ Cup Byron Nelson. Imagine, on his very first PGA Tour outing, he’s already smashing records. The youngest European to make the cut? Check. It’s like a fairytale, but with golf clubs.
His first round? A cool three-under 68. Not too shabby, right? Then, as if to prove it wasn’t a fluke, he follows up with a 67. By the skin of his teeth, he’s in for the weekend, just one shot clear. The tension? Palpable.
Now, here’s a kicker – he’s the youngest since 2015 to achieve this. Taking down Jordan Spieth’s record at the CJ CUP Byron Nelson? Done. “It feels pretty good,” Kim says, understating the monumental feat. His patience and strategy over the two days? Spot on.
Tomorrow’s another day, and Kim’s raring to go. His second round kicked off with promise, netting birdies early on. Yet, golf’s a fickle friend. A bogey at the fourth threatened to derail him, but no, Kim wasn’t having any of it. He bounced back, birdieing left and right, wrapping up the front nine at 32.
Here’s a tweet to put things into perspective: Kris Kim, the fifth-youngest to make a cut on TOUR. Applause, please. But then, a hiccup on the 13th. A bogey. The cut line looming. Yet, this debutant kept his cool, parred his way through the next four, and clinched it with a birdie on the 18th. Phew.
“To be honest, a par-5 at that moment? A godsend,” admits Kim. The nerves? Oh, they were there. But so was his determination. His goal for the final rounds? Simple. Go low, have fun. After all, soaking in the experience is what it’s all about.
Seven shots off the lead, Kim’s got his work cut out for him. Jake Knapp’s leading the pack, but Kim’s already exceeded expectations. What’s a few more surprises, right?
And hey, if you’re into golf, keep an eye on the Golf Monthly newsletter. It’s got all the juicy tour news, gear reviews, and expert advice you could ask for. Because who knows? Next time, we might be talking about Kim’s first win. Wouldn’t that be something?
