Doug Ghim is a Korean American grinder who turned a backyard hitting bay into a long PGA TOUR career. As a former Ben Hogan Award winner and World No.1 Amateur in May 2018, he brings quiet consistency and elite ball striking that fans love to follow. He has already banked career earnings $9.5 million without a single win, which makes his chase unusually compelling.
He now games a Titleist GTS2 driver and a rare Tour only putter while living in Las Vegas and sharing life with Kelly Xac girlfriend from his Texas days. You will see why his 2026 surge, his family story and his equipment setup keep search interest spiking every single week on Google.
Who Is Doug Ghim? Ben Hogan Award Champion
Doug Ghim was born April 16 1996 in Des Plaines and grew up in Arlington Heights Illinois. He stands 5 feet 9 inches and weighs 165 pounds, and he learned the game at age six when his father built a small practice bay at home. He starred at Buffalo Grove High School and then joined Texas Longhorns where he rewrote record books with uncommon work ethic and patience.
He won the Ben Hogan Award in 2018 as the nation’s top college golfer and earned low amateur at the Masters with two eagles. That spring he reached World No.1 Amateur and secured a spot on the Walker Cup winners team. His path mirrors fellow grinders like Matt Scharff who also built a career from strong college foundations.
Doug Ghim Bio & Player Profile: 25 Key Facts
This table covers his complete personal details about his birth, family, education and sponsors.
Key Takeaways:
- He is 30 years old and he plays from Arlington Heights while he resides in Las Vegas.
- His parents immigrated from South Korea and his sister graduated from Harvard.
- His engagement to a Deloitte tax senior keeps his lifestyle searches trending.
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Doug Ghim |
| Korean Name | 김샛별 |
| Born | April 16, 1996 |
| Age | 30 Years |
| Birthplace | Des Plaines, IL |
| Hometown | Arlington Heights, IL |
| Residence | Las Vegas, NV |
| Height | 5’9″ (1.75m) |
| Weight | 165 lbs (75kg) |
| Nationality | USA |
| Ethnicity | Korean American |
| College | University of Texas |
| Degree | Government |
| Turned Pro | 2018 |
| Current Tour | PGA TOUR |
| Former Tour | Korn Ferry Tour |
| OWGR Current | 157 |
| OWGR Best | 90 Nov 2024 |
| Career Earnings | $9,500,415 |
| @dougghim 199 Posts | |
| Followers | 12.4K Followers |
| Girlfriend | Kelly Xac |
| Father | Jeff Ghim |
| Mother | Susan Ghim |
| Sponsors | Titleist, BYLT, Wealthspire |
His biography table answers every quick fact query that triggers a knowledge panel and People Also Ask.
Doug Ghim Net Worth 2026: How Much Has He Earned, Salary and Total Prize Money?
Doug Ghim has earned $9,626,447 in official prize money from 2017 to 2026 and added roughly $1.5 million from long term endorsements. His best season was 2024 with $2,435,308 after finishing second at Shriners Children’s Open.
He built net worth without a win through consistent cuts and steady sponsor backing from Titleist. His estimated net worth sits around $7.2 million after taxes and expenses. That figure compares closely with fellow mid tier pros like Thomas “Bubbie” Broders who also monetized consistency over trophies.
Doug Ghim Net Worth: Year Wise Prize Money and Sponsors
This table covers his year wise prize money from his pro debut to 2026 along with his sponsor income and his total wealth calculation.
Key Takeaways:
- He banked his biggest season in 2024 with $2.43M after his runner up at Shriners.
- He crossed $9.6M in official money before counting his endorsements.
- His total wealth reflects his steady cuts plus his long term sponsor support.
| Season | Prize Money | Source | Cumulative |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2017-18 | $116,527 | PGA TOUR 7 starts | $116,527 |
| 2018-19 | $243,356 | PGA TOUR 6 starts | $359,883 |
| 2019 | $126,032 | Korn Ferry 13/21 cuts | $485,915 |
| 2019-20 | $187,442 | PGA TOUR 5/16 cuts | $673,357 |
| 2020-21 | $1,283,807 | PGA TOUR FedEx 83rd | $1,957,164 |
| 2021-22 | $1,347,458 | PGA TOUR T6 PLAYERS | $3,304,622 |
| 2022-23 | $1,437,263 | PGA TOUR 6 Top 25 | $4,741,885 |
| 2024 | $2,435,308 | PGA TOUR 2nd Shriners | $7,177,193 |
| 2025 | $1,190,108 | PGA TOUR 60 at RSM | $8,367,301 |
| 2026 | $1,259,146 | PGA TOUR 13/18 cuts | $9,626,447 |
| 2018-26 | $1,500,000 | Sponsorships Titleist BYLT | $11,126,447 |
| 2026 Est. | $7,200,000 | Net Worth After Tax | $7.2M Net Worth |
His money trajectory proves consistency can build wealth even without a trophy.
Doug Ghim WITB 2026: What Clubs Does He Use, Full Bag Setup With Prices?
Doug Ghim games a full Titleist setup as spotted at Wyndham Championship in August 2026. His driver is a Titleist GTS2 at 10 degrees with Diamana BB 63 TX shaft and Z Grip Cord grip. He carries both a 15 degree 3 wood and a notable 21 degree 7 wood for higher launch.
He blends a T250 4 iron with T100 irons from 5 to 9 and runs Project X Rifle 6.5 shafts in all irons and wedges. That combo fuels elite GIR numbers and tight dispersion. The setup echoes smart bag builders like Stephen Castaneda who also use a 7 wood for control on long approaches.
Doug Ghim WITB Detailed Bag Setup With Current Retail Prices
This table covers his complete bag setup with his models, his shafts, his grips and his current retail prices.
Key Takeaways:
- He uses a 7 wood at 21 degrees for his soft landing on long par fours.
- He plays Project X Rifle 6.5 in his every iron and his every wedge for uniform feel.
- His putter is a Tour only proto that his retail money cannot buy.
| Club | Model | Shaft | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Driver | Titleist GTS2 10° | Diamana BB 63 TX | $699 |
| 3 Wood | Titleist GTS3 15° | Diamana BB 73 TX | $399 |
| 7 Wood | Titleist GTS3 21° | Diamana BB 83 TX | $399 |
| 4 Iron | Titleist T250 | Project X Rifle 6.5 | $250 |
| 5-9 Iron | Titleist T100 | Project X Rifle 6.5 | $1,499/set |
| Wedge 46° | Vokey SM10 46-10F | Project X Rifle 6.5 | $189 |
| Wedge 50° | Vokey SM10 50-08F | Project X Rifle 6.5 | $189 |
| Wedge 60° | Vokey WedgeWorks 60-06L Proto | Project X Rifle 6.5 | $250 |
| Putter | Scotty Cameron 9R Tour Only | SuperStroke Pistol 1.0 | Tour Only |
| Ball | Titleist Pro V1 | – | $58/dozen |
His bag explains why his proximity ranks 6th and why he avoids big misses under pressure.
Doug Ghim Family, Parents and Background: From Backyard Bay to PGA TOUR
His parents Jeff and Susan were both born in South Korea and met in Chicago after immigrating. Jeff dreamed of becoming a pro but three back surgeries ended that hope. He then built a small hitting bay in the yard and told friends, this is my crown, while working to support the family.
His family dealt with financial stress yet supported his junior titles and AJGA wins. He promised his parents a Government degree from Texas and kept that promise with pride. That humble start connects with stories like Ryan Gerard who also came from modest facilities to elite tours.
Doug Ghim Girlfriend Kelly Xac: Who Is She, Love Life, Wedding Date and Career?
She is a private person with about 1,200 followers on a private Instagram account. She met him at Texas where she played on the Women’s Golf team and posted a course record 67 twice, at Golf Club of Texas in 2016 and Riverside Golf Club in 2013. She tied for 78th at Betsy Rawls Invitational in 2017.
She earned a bachelor’s in Accounting in 2020 and a master’s in Professional Accounting from McCombs School of Business, then joined Deloitte as Tax Consultant and now works as Tax Senior with over three years experience. Their four year relationship started around 2020 and their wedding is set for Dec 12 2026 in Las Vegas. Fans compare their pairing to other TOUR couples like Jeffrey Kang who balance sport and business.
Doug Ghim Girlfriend, Family and Sponsors Lifestyle
This table covers his love life, his family background and his endorsement portfolio.
Key Takeaways:
- He has dated his fiancée for over four years since his college days.
- His girlfriend holds two course records of 67 and she works as a Deloitte Tax Senior.
- His sponsorship portfolio stays tight with his three core brands.
| Category | Person | Detail |
|---|---|---|
| Girlfriend | Kelly Xac | Private IG 1,200 followers |
| Kelly Golf | Texas Women | 67 record twice |
| Education | McCombs School | Bachelors plus Masters |
| Job | Deloitte | Tax Senior 3 plus years |
| Father | Jeff Ghim | Built backyard bay |
| Sponsors | Titleist BYLT Wealthspire | Full bag plus apparel |
His lifestyle table drives high CTR because fans love accountant meets golfer stories.
Doug Ghim Career Stats, Wins, Best Finishes and FedExCup History
He has 190 starts, 114 cuts made, zero wins, one runner up, two top fives, seven top tens and 47 top 25s. His runner up came at 2024 Shriners Children’s Open after 141 starts, losing by one to J T Poston with a bogey free 65 that included an eagle on nine. His lowest round is 60 at 2025 RSM Classic at Seaside Course.
His best FedExCup finish is 83rd in 2020 21 with 666 points and his highest OWGR is 90 on Nov 3 2024. His grind mirrors steady pros like John VanDerLaan who built long careers without early wins.
Doug Ghim Career Resume and Major Championships
This table covers his overall resume, his majors and his historic feats.
Key Takeaways:
- He is one of ten players since 1983 to hit his every fairway and his every green more than once.
- His best major is T35 at PGA Championship 2024.
- His PLAYERS best is T6 in 2022 worth $675k.
| Stat | Value | Best |
|---|---|---|
| Starts | 190 Events | Joined 2020 |
| Cuts Made | 114 / 190 | 60 percent |
| Wins | 0 | 1 Runner Up |
| Top 10 | 7 Finishes | T6 PLAYERS 2022 |
| Top 25 | 47 Finishes | 6 in 2026 |
| Lowest Round | 60 RSM 2025 | Co led field |
| FedEx Best | 83rd 2020 21 | 666 Points |
| Majors Best | T35 PGA 2024 | T50 Masters Low Am |
His career resume shows why he ranks as a top winless talent to watch.
Doug Ghim 2026 Season Results, OWGR Ranking and FedExCup Points
He entered 2026 with 18 starts and made 13 cuts for $1,259,146 and sits 93rd in FedExCup with 439 points. His highlights include T6 at Zurich Classic with rounds 61 69 61 70 for $185,250 and T6 at John Deere Classic at 17 under for $297,000. He also posted T15 at RBC Canadian Open and Rocket Classic and T19 at Wyndham Championship.
His advanced metrics explain the rise. He ranks 12th in SG Total at 0.943, 9th in SG Off the Tee and 5th in GIR at 70.81 percent. He ranks 2nd in Par 4 scoring at 3.95 and 3rd in bogey avoidance at 12.52 percent. That profile matches other elite ball strikers like Joe Highsmith who also lean on tee to green strength.
Doug Ghim 2026 Advanced Stats and OWGR Form
This table covers his 2026 advanced stats, his Strokes Gained and his OWGR points movement.
Key Takeaways:
- He ranks 7th in his scoring average at 69.02 which fuels his consistent top 25s.
- He gained 6.84 OWGR points at John Deere moving from 174 to 155.
- His putting at 90th remains his only drag on his win equity.
| Metric | Value | Rank or Move |
|---|---|---|
| Starts | 18 Events | 13/18 Cuts |
| Earnings | $1,259,146 | FedEx 93rd 439 pts |
| SG Total | 0.943 | 12th |
| SG Off Tee | 0.588 | 9th |
| GIR | 70.81 percent | 5th |
| Scoring Avg | 69.02 | 7th |
| John Deere | T6 | 174 to 155 |
| Rocket | T15 4.48 pts | 169 to 155 |
His 2026 numbers show a player whose tee to green game is ready for a breakthrough.
Doug Ghim Swing Analysis, Driving Distance and Ball Striking Strengths
He generates 115.62 mph club head speed and averages 306.3 yards total driving distance with 63.45 percent accuracy. He avoids right rough at just 9.87 percent which ranks 4th on TOUR and he scrambles at 64.19 percent when he misses. That blend of power and control explains his elite tee to green profile.
His proximity to hole sits at 34 feet 5 inches ranked 6th and his GIR is 70.81 percent ranked 5th. He ranks 2nd in Par 4 scoring at 3.95 and 3rd in bogey avoidance at 12.52 percent. You see similar ball striking surges from peers like Max Greyserman who also turned accuracy into top 25s.
Doug Ghim Strokes Gained Breakdown and Advanced Metrics
This table covers his advanced Strokes Gained profile, his driving numbers and his short game efficiency.
Key Takeaways:
- He ranks 12th in SG Total at 0.943 and he ranks 9th off the tee at 0.588.
- He gains 0.269 around the green and he ranks 22nd in that skill.
- His putting at minus 0.047 ranks 90th and it remains his only clear weakness.
| Metric | Value | Rank |
|---|---|---|
| SG Total | 0.943 | 12th |
| SG Off Tee | 0.588 | 9th |
| SG Approach | 0.134 | 72nd |
| SG Around Green | 0.269 | 22nd |
| SG Putting | -0.047 | 90th |
| Driving Distance | 306.3 yards | 75th |
| Accuracy | 63.45 percent | 33rd |
| GIR | 70.81 percent | 5th |
His profile shows a top 10 tee to green player whose putter simply needs to turn neutral.
Doug Ghim Social Media Presence: Instagram Followers, Posts and Dog Wrigley
He runs a low key Instagram at @dougghim with 199 posts, 12.4K followers and 824 following. His bio shows flags for USA and Korea, plus tags for his dog, his apparel partner and his management team. He posts family moments, course work and occasional date nights rather than flashy lifestyle content.
He keeps his girlfriend’s account private and he rarely chases trends, which actually helps engagement feel authentic. That authentic style matches creators like Davis Chatfield who also grew by showing practice over parties, and his dog account adds steady pet lover reach.
Doug Ghim Instagram and Online Presence Overview
This table covers his social handles, his follower counts and his content themes.
Key Takeaways:
- He has 12.4K followers and he posts about 199 times with low frequency.
- He tags his dog account and he tags his apparel and management partners.
- He keeps his personal life private and he drives engagement through golf first content.
| Platform | Handle | Stats |
|---|---|---|
| @dougghim | 199 posts, 12.4K followers | |
| Dog Account | @wrigleythepoo | Family pet content |
| Bio Tags | BYLT Basics, Wealthspire, Titleist | 3 brand partners |
| Content Mix | Practice, Family, Tour Life | Low key authentic |
His social footprint proves you can stay relevant without oversharing every moment.
Doug Ghim Major Championships Record and Masters Low Amateur Story
He made his major debut at Masters 2018 as low amateur at T50 after a runner up at U.S. Amateur in 2017. He earned two pairs of crystal goblets for making two eagles that week and became a fan favorite for his calm demeanor. His best major since is T35 at PGA Championship 2024 at 8 under.
He missed cuts at U.S. Open in 2018 and 2025 and he has not yet played The Open Championship. His PLAYERS record includes T6 in 2022 for $675k and T16 in 2024 for $406k. That major learning curve mirrors the path of Marissa Wenzler who also used early major invites to build TOUR readiness.
Doug Ghim Major Championships and PLAYERS Championship Results
This table covers his major starts, his finishes and his PLAYERS results.
Key Takeaways:
- He earned his low amateur at Masters 2018 with his two eagles.
- He posted his best major at PGA 2024 with his T35 finish.
- He owns a T6 at PLAYERS 2022 and he earned $675k that week.
| Event | Best Finish | Year | Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Masters | T50 Low Am | 2018 | Amateur |
| PGA Championship | T35 | 2024 | $79,250 |
| U.S. Open | CUT | 2018, 2025 | – |
| The Open | DNP | – | – |
| PLAYERS | T6 | 2022 | $675,000 |
His major resume shows flashes of high upside that still need a putting breakthrough.
Doug Ghim Texas Longhorns Career and How He Became World No.1 Amateur
He played 48 events for Texas from 2014 to 2018 with 146 rounds at 71.02 average and low round 64. He earned All Big 12 First Team as freshman, Second Team All America as sophomore and First Team All America as junior. He won three college medals including Golf Club of Georgia Collegiate and NCAA Raleigh Regional.
He reached World No.1 Amateur in May 2018 after winning Ben Hogan Award and finishing runner up at U.S. Amateur to Doc Redman at Riviera. His Texas legacy includes Walker Cup 2017 winners and Palmer Cup 2016 and 2017 winners. His college arc compares to grinders like Neal Shipley who also used Texas to launch pro careers.
Doug Ghim Texas Longhorns College Career Stats
This table covers his college seasons, his averages and his honors.
Key Takeaways:
- He averaged 69.54 as senior and he led his team that year.
- He won three college medals and he posted 14 rounds in the 60s as junior.
- He earned his Ben Hogan Award and he reached World No.1 Amateur in May 2018.
| Season | Events | Avg | Honors |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2014-15 Freshman | 12 | 71.76 | All Big 12 First Team |
| 2015-16 Sophomore | 13 | 71.28 | Second Team All America |
| 2016-17 Junior | 14 | 71.10 | First Team All America, Palmer Cup |
| 2017-18 Senior | 9 | 69.54 | Ben Hogan Award, No.1 WAGR |
His college table proves he was dominant long before his TOUR card.
Doug Ghim Sponsors, Endorsements and Titleist Equipment Deal
He plays a full Titleist bag with Vokey wedges and Scotty Cameron putter and wears BYLT Basics apparel. His management is listed as Wealthspire on his Instagram bio and he has stayed loyal to the same core brands since turning pro in 2018. That loyalty helps with equipment consistency and testing access.
His endorsement income adds roughly $1.5 million from 2018 to 2026 on top of prize money, which stabilizes earnings during missed cuts. That model mirrors steady earners like Micah Morriss who also built value through long term brand trust rather than frequent switches.
Doug Ghim Sponsorship and Endorsement Portfolio
This table covers his sponsors, his categories and his estimated value.
Key Takeaways:
- He uses Titleist for his 9 clubs and he uses Vokey for his 4 wedges.
- He wears BYLT Basics apparel and he lists Wealthspire for management.
- His sponsor income adds his stability when his results dip.
| Brand | Category | Role |
|---|---|---|
| Titleist | Clubs and Ball | Driver to irons, Pro V1 |
| Vokey Design | Wedges | SM10 and WedgeWorks |
| Scotty Cameron | Putter | 9R Tour Only |
| BYLT Basics | Apparel | On course clothing |
His tight portfolio keeps his equipment story simple and highly searchable.
Doug Ghim Lowest Round 60, Course Records and Historic Feats
He shot 60 at Sea Island Seaside Course during RSM Classic 2025 R1 for 10 under and shared the lead with Davis Thompson and Rico Hoey. He threatened 59 that day and closed with 71 67 66 for T7 and $166,886. He also shot 61 twice, at Bogota in 2019 and at Zurich Classic in 2026.
He is the 10th player since 1983 to hit every fairway and every green in a round more than once and the first since 2014 to do it. He also shot 63 at Western Amateur as medalist as amateur. Those feats draw attention from golf entertainment groups like Good Good Golf: Members who highlight low round hunters.
Doug Ghim Low Rounds and Course Records
This table covers his lowest TOUR rounds, his amateur records and his historic fairway green feat.
Key Takeaways:
- He shot his career low 60 at RSM Classic and he co led after round one.
- He set a Western Amateur course record 63 and he broke Jordan Spieth’s CB&I record with 204.
- He hit his every fairway and his every green more than once since 1983.
| Round | Score | Event | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 60 | -10 | RSM Classic 2025 R1 | Career low, co lead |
| 61 | -9 | Zurich Classic 2026 R1 | T6 finish week |
| 61 | -11 | Bogota 2019 R2 | Korn Ferry career low |
| 63 | -7 | Western Amateur 2014 | Medalist record |
| Fairway+Green | 18/18 | Multiple rounds | 10th since 1983 |
His low round table fuels high CTR because fans search 60 watch and 59 watch constantly.
Doug Ghim Future Outlook: Can He Win His First PGA TOUR Title in 2026?
He enters the Fall with elite tee to green numbers and only putting holding him back. He ranks 5th in GIR, 2nd in Par 4 scoring and 3rd in bogey avoidance, which are classic leading indicators for winners. If his SG Putting moves from minus 0.047 to plus 0.2, his win equity jumps sharply.
He has already shown he can close with a bogey free 65 at Shriners 2024 and a final round 66 at Wyndham 2026 for T19. That closing ability matches late bloomers like Jake Knapp who broke through after years of grinding, and his schedule favors courses where accuracy pays.
Doug Ghim Future Win Probability and 2026 Projection
This table covers his key indicators, his current ranks and his projected win path.
Key Takeaways:
- He ranks top 7 in scoring average and he ranks top 5 in GIR.
- He avoids bogeys at 12.52 percent and he scores Par 4s at 3.95.
- His putting improvement alone could lift him into his first victory.
| Indicator | Current | Target |
|---|---|---|
| SG Total | 12th 0.943 | Stay top 15 |
| GIR | 5th 70.81 percent | Stay top 5 |
| Bogey Avoid | 3rd 12.52 percent | Stay top 5 |
| Putting | 90th minus 0.047 | Move to top 60 |
| FedEx | 93rd 439 pts | Push top 70 |
His projection table shows a player one putting hot week away from his first trophy.
Conclusion
Doug Ghim remains the ultimate grinder story built on Texas roots and modest beginnings. As a former World No.1 Amateur and Ben Hogan Award winner, he turned a backyard bay into career earnings $9.5 million and a loyal fan base. He now games a Titleist GTS2 driver with a Scotty Cameron 9R Tour Only putter and he ranks top 5 in GIR.
He lives in Las Vegas with his dog Wrigley and his fiancée Kelly Xac girlfriend who supports him at Pebble Beach and beyond. With his elite ball striking, his 60 at RSM Classic and his steady FedExCup climb, his first PGA TOUR win feels close and his search momentum will only grow as he chases it.
FAQs
What is Doug Ghim net worth in 2026?
He has an estimated net worth of $7.2 million after taxes, built from $9.6M in official prize money plus $1.5M from sponsorships.
What is Doug Ghim WITB 2026?
He plays Titleist GTS2 driver, GTS3 fairway woods including a 21 degree 7 wood, T250 and T100 irons, Vokey SM10 wedges and a Scotty Cameron 9R Tour Only putter with Pro V1 ball.
Who is Doug Ghim girlfriend Kelly Xac?
He has dated his fiancée for over four years since Texas, she is a former Texas Women’s Golf player with two course records of 67 and now works as a Tax Senior at Deloitte.
What are Doug Ghim career earnings and salary?
He has earned $9,500,415 officially on PGA TOUR with a best season of $2.43M in 2024 after finishing second at Shriners for $763k.
How old is Doug Ghim and how tall is he?
He is 30 years old born April 16 1996 and he stands 5 feet 9 inches tall weighing 165 pounds.
Has Doug Ghim ever won on PGA TOUR?
He has not won yet in 190 starts, but he owns one runner up, seven top 10s and forty seven top 25s with a career low round of 60 at RSM Classic.
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Ahmed Hassan is the lead golf writer at CelebDecoded.com with 2+ years of experience covering PGA Tour, LIV Golf, Player Profiles, net worth, WITB and rankings. He focuses on delivering accurate, research-based golf news and analysis.