The theme of teenage golfers making the headlines is set to continue this week, with a 16-year-old Brit scheduled to tee it up at the CJ Cup Byron Nelson at TPC Craig Ranch in Texas.
Kris Kim, 16, last year’s winner of the Boys’ Amateur title as well as the European Individual Championship and McGregor Trophy, will make his first appearance on the PGA Tour.
Two weeks ago English amateur Lottie Woad made the cut on her Major debut, and now fellow Brit, Kim, who is still studying for his GCSEs, will tee it up against some of the best players in the men’s game.
“I’m so excited to tee it up in Texas,” Kim told the BBC. “It’s what you work towards all the time and it’s an amazing opportunity.”
The Surrey-based youngster, who will be playing on a sponsor’s invitation, is the son of South Korean former LPGA player Ji-Hyun Suh, and he’s widely tipped to make it to the top of the game.
“I’ll definitely ask my mum for advice,” Kim said. “It is going to be a very different environment and you don’t know how you will respond to it.
“She’ll help me deal with it. She’s my coach and we talk about everything from dealing with nerves, taking one shot at a time, leaving bad shots behind and keeping it simple, right through to course strategy.
“My first aim is to make the cut and then see what happens. I’m one of 144 competitors and we’ve all got a chance.
“Whatever happens it’s going to be super helpful for my future because I’ll gain so much experience. I know I’m still young and pretty much every week I learn a lesson, but this week is going to be a lot bigger.”
Kris Kim alongside America's young star Miles Russell, who has been making headlines on the Korn Ferry Tour
Kim went unbeaten in four matches as he helped Europe beat the US at last year's junior Ryder Cup at Marco Simone in Rome.
He won three-and-a-half points out of four, beating 15-year-old Miles Russell, a player who recently created his own headlines in Florida by making the cut in the Korn Ferry Tour’s Suncoast Classic.
“I can’t wait to play in front of big crowds again,” said Kim, who picked up the game as a junior at Cuddington Golf Club in Surrey.
“I’ve never hit the ball as far as I did at the Ryder Cup. The adrenalin rush makes golf so much fun.
“That said, having played the course, and a few more tour courses, I appreciate the task ahead and look forward to the challenge.”
Despite looking forward to teeing it up against former world number ones Jordan Spieth, Adam Scott and Jason Day, Kim says he’s not ignoring his schoolwork.
“I am trying to revise, I promise, but it’s quite tough. My schedule is quite busy right now.”
