50 Facts About Tom Kim

Early Life and Background

Tom Kim's journey to becoming a golf sensation began early. His background and upbringing played a crucial role in shaping his career.

1. Tom Kim was born on June 21, 2002, in Seoul, South Korea. His full name is Kim Joo-hyung, but he is commonly known as Tom Kim.
2. Kim's father, Kim Chang-ik, is a professional golfer who played on the Buy.com Tour. This exposure to golf from a young age significantly influenced Tom's decision to pursue the sport.
3. Kim was homeschooled to focus on his golf career. This unconventional educational path allowed him to dedicate more time to his training and competitions.
4. Kim is fluent in Tagalog, English, and Korean. His ability to communicate in multiple languages has been an asset in his international golfing career.
5. Tom Kim started playing golf at the age of six. His father introduced him to the game, and it quickly became his passion.

Influences and Moves

Kim's life has been marked by several significant moves and influences that have shaped his career.

6. Kim has often mentioned that his idol is Tiger Woods. He even got a signed cap from Woods after watching him play in Australia.
7. When Tom was 13, his family moved to Australia due to rising costs. This move allowed him to learn English and further develop his golf skills.
8. After living in Australia for seven years, the family moved to the Philippines and later to Thailand. These moves were strategic for travel purposes and to access better golfing opportunities.

Early Career and Turning Professional

Tom Kim's early career was marked by impressive achievements and a bold decision to turn professional at a young age.

9. Tom Kim turned professional at the age of 15. This decision was made after he realized that he wouldn't be able to play college golf, and he wanted to gain experience by turning pro early.
10. Before turning professional, Kim won several amateur tournaments, including the Philippine Junior Amateur and the Philippine Amateur Open Championship.
11. After winning three developmental tour events, Kim automatically qualified for the Asian Tour. He secured his first win on the Asian Tour at just 17 years old.

Major Wins and Achievements

Kim's career has been marked by several significant wins and achievements that have solidified his status as a rising star in golf.

12. Kim's impressive form on the Asian Tour continued with a win at the Panasonic Open India. This victory made him the second-youngest professional to win on the Asian Tour at 17 years and 149 days.
13. In early 2020, Kim finished fourth in the SMBC Singapore Open. This high finish earned him an entry into the 2020 Open Championship, his first Major championship.
14. Kim made his Major championship debut at the 2020 Open Championship. Although he didn't win, his performance was impressive, and he made the cut.
15. Following a T47 finish at the 2022 Open Championship, Kim became eligible for Special Temporary Membership on the PGA Tour for the remainder of the 2021-22 season.
16. Kim secured his PGA Tour card for the 2022-23 season with a seventh-place finish at the Rocket Mortgage Classic.
17. Kim's maiden PGA Tour title came at the 2022 Wyndham Championship. This victory made him the first PGA Tour winner born after 2000.
18. In October 2022, Kim won the Shriners Children’s Open in Las Vegas, becoming the second-youngest two-time PGA Tour winner behind Ralph Guldahl.

Presidents Cup and International Recognition

Tom Kim's performance in international tournaments has earned him widespread recognition and praise.

19. Kim qualified for the international team at the 2022 Presidents Cup. His performance in the tournament has been highly praised, and he has become a fan favorite.
20. Tom Kim is known for his boisterous nature and crowd work. He has been riling up the crowd with his antics, which has contributed significantly to the atmosphere at golf tournaments.
21. Dan Rappaport, a golf journalist, compared Tom Kim's performance at the Presidents Cup to that of Ian Poulter. This comparison was met with both praise and criticism, with some fans feeling that it was disrespectful to Poulter.

Financial Success and Sponsorships

Kim's success on the course has translated into significant financial rewards and lucrative sponsorship deals.

22. Kim has earned over $10 million in prize money across his professional career, with $4.3 million coming from his three victories on the PGA Tour.
23. Tom Kim signed a sponsorship deal with Titleist in December 2019, which included customized golf clubs. He also signed with Nike in 2023 for his apparel, cap, and shoes.

Personal Life and Relationships

Tom Kim's personal life and relationships have also played a significant role in his career.

24. Kim's meteoric rise has earned him international recognition. He has been hailed as the next global superstar in golf, with many fans and experts predicting a bright future for him.
25. Tom Kim has formed a close friendship with fellow golfer Jordan Spieth. The two have been spotted together at various golf events, and Spieth has spoken highly of Kim's talent and personality.
26. Kim's family has been instrumental in his golfing journey. His parents and older brother have supported him throughout his career, often traveling to watch him compete.
27. Tom Kim has been involved in various philanthropic efforts, including supporting children's charities. His charitable work has further endeared him to fans and the golfing community.

Playing Style and Philosophy

Kim's unique playing style and philosophy have contributed to his success on the course.

28. Kim's golfing style is characterized by his precision and strategic play. He often focuses on accuracy rather than raw power, which has contributed to his success on the course.
29. Tom Kim emphasizes the importance of mental preparation in his golfing career. He has spoken about his ability to manage nerves and stay focused under pressure.
30. In addition to Tiger Woods, Kim has mentioned other role models such as Rory McIlroy and Brooks Koepka. He looks up to these golfers for their achievements and dedication to the sport.

Community and International Team

Tom Kim's role in the golfing community and his participation in international teams have been significant.

31. Tom Kim has quickly established himself as one of golf's most interesting personalities. His charm and humor have earned him a host of fans both inside and outside the ropes.
32. Kim's inclusion in the international team at the Presidents Cup has been a significant milestone in his career. He has been praised for his performances against top American golfers.
33. Tom Kim's performance at the Presidents Cup has been nothing short of spectacular. He has beaten several top American golfers, including Scottie Scheffler and Russell Henley, and has been instrumental in Team International's efforts to win the tournament.
34. Kim will be playing in the Sunday Singles as Team International, trying to win their first Presidents Cup in a long time by overturning a deficit of four points.

Career Wins and Stats

Kim's career wins and statistics highlight his impressive achievements on the course.

35. Tom Kim has won three times on the PGA Tour and twice on both the Asian and Korean Tours. His impressive win record has solidified his position as one of the top young golfers in the world.
36. Despite not being the longest hitter, Kim averages 297.6 yards with the driver in the 2022-23 season, which is just below average. However, his accuracy and strategic play make up for his lack of raw power.

Philosophy and Fan Base

Tom Kim's approach to golf and his growing fan base have contributed to his popularity.

37. Kim's approach to golf is centered around enjoying the game and not getting too caught up in the pressure. He believes in staying focused and having fun, which has contributed to his success.
38. Tom Kim has a significant and dedicated fan base. His charm and performances on the course have made him a favorite among golf enthusiasts worldwide.

Media Presence and Sponsorships

Kim's media presence and sponsorship deals have further boosted his career.

39. Kim's media presence is substantial, with numerous interviews and articles featuring him. His charisma and personality have made him a sought-after figure in the golfing media.
40. In addition to his deal with Nike, Kim has secured several other sponsorship deals. These partnerships have significantly contributed to his financial stability and allowed him to focus on his golfing career.

Equipment and Training

Tom Kim's equipment and training regimen are tailored to his specific needs and goals.

41. Tom Kim uses customized golf clubs provided by Titleist. His equipment is tailored to his specific needs, which has helped him improve his performance on the course.
42. Kim's training regimen is rigorous and includes a mix of physical conditioning and mental preparation. He works with a team of coaches and trainers to ensure he is always at his best.

Mental Toughness and Community Role

Kim's mental toughness and role in the golfing community have been key factors in his success.

43. Tom Kim's mental toughness has been a key factor in his success. He has spoken about his ability to manage nerves and stay focused under pressure, which has helped him perform well in high-stakes tournaments.
44. Kim's role in the golfing community extends beyond his performances on the course. He has been involved in various initiatives aimed at promoting golf and supporting young golfers.

Roots and Heritage

Tom Kim's roots and heritage have played a significant role in his development as a golfer.

45. Tom Kim's roots in Philippine golf are significant. He won several amateur tournaments in the Philippines before turning professional, which laid the foundation for his future success.
46. Kim's experience playing in Thailand was crucial in his development as a golfer. He played professionally in Thailand until he was 16 and won several developmental tour events, which helped him secure a spot on the Asian Tour.
47. Tom Kim's success on the Asian Tour has been remarkable. He won twice on the Asian Tour, including a victory at just 17 years old, which made him the second-youngest professional to win on the tour.
48. Kim's heritage in Korean golf is strong. His father played professionally, and Tom has followed in his footsteps, becoming one of the most successful young golfers from South Korea.

Global Recognition and Future

Tom Kim's achievements have earned him global recognition, and his future looks incredibly bright.

49. Tom Kim's achievements have earned him global recognition. He has been hailed as the next global superstar in golf, with many fans and experts predicting a bright future for him.
50. While it is too early to predict Tom Kim's legacy in golf, his current trajectory suggests that he could become one of the greatest golfers of all time. His dedication, talent, and charisma have already made him a beloved figure in the golfing world.

Tom Kim's Bright Future in Golf

Tom Kim's journey from a young boy in Seoul to a rising star on the PGA Tour is nothing short of inspiring. With three PGA Tour wins, fluency in multiple languages, and a knack for crowd engagement, he's already made a significant mark in the golfing world. His strategic play, mental toughness, and dedication have earned him international recognition and a loyal fan base. Sponsorships with Titleist and Nike, along with his philanthropic efforts, further highlight his growing influence. As he continues to compete and charm fans worldwide, there's no doubt Tom Kim is on a path to becoming one of golf's greats. His story is a testament to hard work, family support, and a love for the game. Keep an eye on Tom Kim; his best is yet to come.