Despite Crushing Charlie Woods’s Fame, Kris Kim Avoids PGA Tour Distractions Through Simple Life Celebrations

Kris Kim might have been in seventh heaven when he made the cut and moved on to play the final two days at the CJ Cup Byron Nelson. Being the fifth youngest to play a PGA Tour event on its moving day is by no means, a simple feat. However, while he managed to overcome many young golfers including the 15-year-old Charlie Woods to make his Tour debut, make a name for himself, and finish the same in style, it seems he still cannot escape the allure of everyday life.

The youngster finished at T65 after the fourth day of play at the event which saw Taylor Pendrith emerging victorious. While relishing his fame, Kim also went ahead to reveal what he would be looking forward to and was most excited about when he got back home!

Kris Kim – the normal teenager at heart

As soon as he was faced with the question of his plans of going back to school and seeing friends for the first time after his PGA Tour debut, he couldn’t help but mention his driver’s license. “I’ve got my driving license this year,” said the 16-year-old before hoping, “so I think that’s going to be pretty cool.” Who wouldn’t be, especially since his turning 16 makes him eligible for a provisional one!

Meanwhile, with scores of 68-67-70-73 over the four days of play, the young athlete was able to place himself at T65 with a figure of 6-under 278. He did so while carding a total of 17 birdies, 13 bogeys, and an eagle, the latter of which came at the par-5, 9th on the first round.

That’s not all. By making the cut at the event, he also managed to surpass Jordan Spieth’s mark of doing the same at the CJ Cup Byron Nelson. The American pro had done it back in 2010 when he was a few months older than the English amateur and finished the tournament with a score of 4-under 276 at T16.

The Surrey native, thus, managed to make the best use of his chance, which he got through a sponsor’s exemption, and leave his mark in the history of the sport. Especially when many around Kris Kim’s age, including the son of legend Tiger Woods are hoping to make their first appearance at a PGA Tour event, including a major championship.

16 YO Kim surpasses 15 YO Charlie Woods

Back in February, the 15-time major champ’s son had eyed his first PGA Tour start via the Cognizant Classic pre-qualifiers. However, luck failed to side with him as he scored a total of 11 pars, 4 bogeys, and 3 double bogeys, registering a total of 16-over at T110.

Soon after, he also decided to take another chance and play at the local qualifier for the 2024 U.S. Open which was held at The Legacy Golf and Tennis Club in Florida. Charlie Woods shot a 9-over par 81 and finished tied for T61 thereby missing out on the chance once again. Seems like the young Woods still hasn’t managed to hold on to the opportunity unlike Kris Kim, who made the perfect use of the same to surpass his peers, along with other professionals.