Two weeks ago we were introduced to 15 year old Miles Russell as he became the youngest player to make the cut on the Korn Ferry Tour. The number one ranked AJGA player went on to finish in the top 25, earning himself a start in last week’s KFT event. This week lets meet 16 year old Kris Kim. By making the cut at the CJ Cup Byron Nelsen, Kim became the fifth youngest player to make a cut on the PGA Tour and the youngest at the Byron Nelson, a record previously held by Jordan Spieth.
The English teen, playing on a sponsor’s exemption, is the son of former LPGA member Ji-Hyun Suh, a native of South Korea. This is the inaugural season of Korean company CJ Group being the title sponsor of the Byron Nelson. Kim became the first amateur sponsored by CJ Group in 2023. His sponsors also include TaylorMade, bibigo and Under Armour.
With young LPGA star Rose Zheng’s caddie on his bag, Kim eagled the 9th hole from the fairway on Thursday (his last) to card a 3 under 68. On Friday Kim made his 6th birdie of the day on 18 posting a 67 and ensuring his play on the weekend. Today in front of a large gallery, he followed a 3 under par 33 on the front (nearly making an ace on the par 3 4th), a 2 over 37 on the back leaving him at 8 under heading into Sunday’s final round.
When asked about the crowds, Kim answered, “It’s been really cool. Makes it a little bit more fun playing with the crowds, in my opinion. Yeah, it was just such a good experience today.” His summary of the week so far? “It’s been fun.”
If Miles Russell and Kris Kim are any indication, the future of golf is bright.
