Tom Kim lights up leaderboards with a smile and a fearless golf swing. He’s the Korean star who won twice on the PGA Tour before turning 21. You will see him contending at majors with precision iron play and clutch putting. He trains in Dallas yet carries the pride of Seoul wherever he plays. His rise blends Asian Tour grit with American success.
He’s not just a winner. He’s a global brand with Nike gear and a Titleist bag. Fans love his energy and his Thomas the Tank Engine nickname. He ranks among the best in Strokes Gained Approach and scrambling. At 24, he already owns three Tour titles and a U.S. Open podium.
Who Is Tom Kim? PGA Tour Star & Majors Winner
Tom Kim is the South Korean golf phenom who took the PGA Tour by storm before age 21. He became the first player since Tiger Woods to win twice on Tour before turning 21. Fans know him for his precision iron play and fearless putting under pressure. At just 24, he already owns three PGA Tour wins including back-to-back Shriners titles. He also claimed a podium finish at the 2026 U.S. Open.
You might have seen him smiling after his final-round 61 at Sedgefield Country Club. That win at the 2022 Wyndham Championship made him a full Tour member overnight. His official career earnings now sit at $18,607,600 and his net worth pushes past $30 million with Nike and Titleist deals. He lives in Dallas but grew up learning golf from his father in Seoul and Australia.
Tom Kim Bio & Player Profile: 25 Key Facts
This table covers his personal details, pro timeline, and key career markers.
Key takeaways:
- He turned pro at just 15 and won on Tour before age 21.
- His nickname “Tom” comes from Thomas the Tank Engine, which he’s used since childhood.
- His OWGR peak hit 11th in October 2023 after his second Shriners win.
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Kim Joo-hyung |
| Nickname | Tom Kim |
| Born | 21 June 2002, Seoul, South Korea |
| Age | 24 |
| Height | 6’0″ / 183 cm |
| Turned Pro | May 2018 |
| PGA TOUR Debut | 2022 |
| PGA TOUR Wins | 3 |
| International Wins | 7 |
| Major Best | T2, 2023 Open Championship |
| Major Best | 3rd, 2026 U.S. Open |
| OWGR Peak | 11th, Oct 15 2023 |
| OWGR Current | 66th, July 2026 |
| Career Earnings | $18,607,600 PGA TOUR |
| National Teams | Presidents Cup 2022, 2024 |
| National Teams | Olympics 2024, 8th place |
| Coach | Chris Como |
| Residence | Dallas, Texas |
| Equipment Sponsor | Titleist |
| Apparel Sponsor | Nike |
| Ball Used | Titleist Pro V1x |
| Current Driver | Titleist GTS3 10° |
| Current Putter | Scotty Cameron Newport 2 Prototype |
| Best Round | 61, 2022 Wyndham Championship |
| FedExCup Best | 20th, 2022-23 |
His rise from teenage pro in Asia to multiple PGA Tour winner by 21 mirrors the early paths of Jordan Spieth and Tiger Woods.
Tom Kim Net Worth 2026: Career Earnings, Endorsements, Prize Money Total
Tom Kim holds an estimated net worth of $30,157,599 in 2026. He earned $1.31 million at the 2022 Wyndham Championship after that famous Sunday 61. Then he defended the Shriners Children’s Open twice for $1.44M and $1.51M paydays. His Nike apparel deal signed in January 2023 and Titleist staff contract add millions each year. You will see his off-course income now rivals his on-course checks.
The biggest single payout came at the 2024 Travelers Championship. He lost a playoff to Scottie Scheffler but banked $2.16 million for second place. Add his 2026 U.S. Open third place check of $1.53M and his earnings look even stronger. He invests back into his team and trains at Merion Golf Club East Course before majors.
Tom Kim: Career Net Worth & Earnings by Year
This table tracks his official PGA Tour earnings, sponsor deals, and accumulated net worth year by year.
Key takeaways:
- His breakout 2022-23 season earned him $10.27M and made him a millionaire before 21.
- Nike and Titleist deals now add over $3M yearly to his income.
- Tom built a $30.1M net worth by 2026 through wins and endorsements.
| Year | TOUR Earnings | Sponsor/Deals | Year Total | Net Worth |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020-21 | $98,258 | $150,000 | $248,258 | $248,258 |
| 2021-22 | $2,824,580 | $400,000 | $3,224,580 | $3,472,838 |
| 2022-23 | $7,774,918 | $2,500,000 | $10,274,918 | $13,747,756 |
| 2024 | $4,124,968 | $3,200,000 | $7,324,968 | $21,072,724 |
| 2025 | $1,496,889 | $3,500,000 | $4,996,889 | $26,069,613 |
| 2026 YTD | $2,287,986 | $1,800,000 | $4,087,986 | $30,157,599 |
| Sponsor & Deals | – | $11,550,000 | – | – |
| Accumulated | $18,607,600 | – | – | $30,157,599 |
His net worth climb shows how three Tour wins plus Nike and Titleist contracts compound quickly. The 2026 U.S. Open added $1.53M in one week alone.
Tom Kim WITB 2026: What’s In The Bag: Driver, Irons, Putter, Golf Ball
Tom Kim plays a full Titleist setup with Nike apparel. He switched to the new GTS3 driver this year for more control off the tee. You’ll notice he also added a GT2 mini driver at 13.5 degrees to handle tight U.S. Open courses. His T100 irons carry lead tape because he prefers a specific swing weight. He tests putters often but trusts a tri-sole Scotty Cameron Newport 2 Prototype right now.
He works with Chris Como on his swing and leans on precision over power. That’s why his bag prioritizes control shafts like Graphite Design Tour AD VF and Project X 6.0. He even played a practice round with Austin Eckroat at the 2026 U.S. Open to dial in yardages. The setup helped him rank 11th in Strokes Gained: Approach this season.
Tom Kim: 2026 WITB Full Bag Setup
Key takeaways:
This table details every club in his current bag to see specs, shafts, and models he trusts.
- He upgraded to Titleist GTS3 metals from his old TSR3 for more speed and stability.
- All his irons and wedges use Project X 6.0 or DG Tour Issue X100 for a consistent feel.
- His putter choice changes but the Scotty Cameron Newport 2 Prototype is his gamer now.
| Club | Model | Spec | Shaft |
|---|---|---|---|
| Driver | Titleist GTS3 | 10° | Graphite Design Tour AD VF 6 X |
| 3-Wood | Titleist GT2 | 13.5° | Mitsubishi Tensei 1K Orange 80 TX |
| 5-Wood | Titleist GTS3 | 18° | Mitsubishi Tensei 1K Orange 80 TX |
| Irons | Titleist T100 | 4-9 | Project X 6.0 |
| Wedge | Vokey SM10 | 46° | Project X 6.0 |
| Wedge | Vokey SM10 | 50°, 54° | DG Tour Issue X100 |
| Wedge | Vokey WedgeWorks | 60° | DG Tour Issue X100 |
| Putter | Scotty Newport 2 Proto | Tri-sole | – |
| Ball | Titleist Pro V1x | – | – |
The move to GT metals and a 13.5° mini driver explains his jump to 322 yards at Shinnecock Hills while he kept his accuracy 28th on Tour.
Tom Kim Background and Family: Parents, Father Kim Chang-ik, Early Life in South Korea
Tom was born Kim Joo-hyung in Seoul on 21 June 2002. His father Kim Chang-ik was a teaching pro and his first coach. The family moved to Australia and the Philippines so he could play year round. You can trace his love for golf to age five when he followed his dad around the range. He got the nickname “Tom” from Thomas the Tank Engine because he loved the show.
He speaks Korean and English fluently and holds both cultures close. His mother handled travel and schooling while he played junior events across Asia. He turned pro at 15 and won on the Philippine Golf Tour by 16. Many fans first saw him when he played with Alex Smalley in a Monday qualifier in 2021. Those early years built his calm demeanor under pressure.
Tom Kim Wife 2026: Married Life, Relationship With Lee Seo-yeon, Dating Status
Tom Kim married Lee Seo-yeon after they met in Dallas in 2024. He lives in Texas and they connected through mutual friends in the golf community. They kept the wedding private because she was still a student at the time. The news surfaced when fans spotted his wedding ring at player events.
He protects her privacy and rarely shares personal details. You will not see many photos or posts about their relationship. He balances his PGA Tour schedule with married life and credits her support during travel weeks.
Tom Kim Age, Height, Weight: How Old Is Tom Kim and How Tall Is He?
Tom is 24 years old in July 2026. He was born 21 June 2002 so he’s one of the youngest multiple winners on Tour. He stands 6’0″ tall or 183 cm and weighs around 185 lbs. You’ll notice his height gives him leverage yet he doesn’t rely on power alone. He ranks 88th in driving distance but 13th in scoring average.
His build and flexibility help him repeat his swing under major pressure. He beat Ben Kohles in a playoff at the 2020 Singapore International when he was just 17. That win showed his maturity early. He doesn’t bulk up like other players because he wants to protect his touch and rhythm.
Tom Kim Major Wins and Best Finishes: U.S. Open 3rd, Open Championship T2, Masters Record
Tom hasn’t won a major yet but he’s been close. His best result is T2 at the 2023 Open Championship at Royal Liverpool. He fired a final-round 67 to climb the board and finish one shot behind Brian Harman. You’ll remember his 2026 U.S. Open too. He finished solo third at Shinnecock Hills and earned $1.53 million.
He also owns a T8 at the 2023 U.S. Open and a T16 at the 2023 Masters. That’s three top-10s in majors before turning 24. He played the final group with Nico Echavarria at the 2024 Genesis Championship and learned from that Sunday pressure. His major scoring average is trending down each year.
Tom Kim U.S. Open 2026 Performance: Scorecard, Strokes Gained, Prize Money
This table breaks down his Shinnecock Hills rounds to see how he built his podium finish.
Key takeaways:
- He gained 2.32 strokes on approach in the final round, which led the field Sunday.
- His Sunday 70 was one of only five under-par rounds in tough conditions.
- His $1,532,530 check was the biggest of his career aside from the Travelers playoff.
| Round | Score | To Par | SG: Approach | Position |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| R1 | 70 | E | +0.84 | T12 |
| R2 | 67 | -3 | +1.91 | T3 |
| R3 | 72 | +2 | -0.21 | 5th |
| R4 | 70 | E | +2.32 | 3rd |
That Sunday ball-striking clinic at Shinnecock proved he can contend on the hardest setups. The 40 OWGR points jumped him from 141st to 64th in one week.
Tom Kim PGA Tour Wins: Wyndham Championship 61, Shriners Open Titles, Career Victories
Tom claimed his first PGA Tour title at the 2022 Wyndham Championship with a wild final-round 61. He opened that Sunday with a quadruple bogey 8 yet still shot 27 on the front nine. That win made him the second player since World War II to win before age 21. You can see why fans compare him to Jordan Spieth. He backed it up by winning the Shriners Children’s Open twice.
He defended his Shriners title in 2023 and became the youngest to defend a TOUR event since 1912. His three wins came in just 44 starts. He also lost a playoff to Scottie Scheffler at the 2024 Travelers Championship and to Byeong Hun An at the 2024 Genesis Championship. Those runner-up finishes show his ability to contend.
Tom Kim PGA Tour Wins and Biggest Paydays
This table lists his three PGA Tour victories plus top earnings events to see his biggest moments in one place.
Key takeaways:
- He won twice at TPC Summerlin and once at Sedgefield Country Club.
- His largest check came from a playoff loss, not a win, at Travelers 2024.
- He’s earned over $7M from just four events.
| Year | Tournament | Score | To Par | Winnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | Wyndham Championship | 260 | -20 | $1,314,000 |
| 2022 | Shriners Children’s Open | 260 | -24 | $1,440,000 |
| 2023 | Shriners Children’s Open | 264 | -20 | $1,512,000 |
| 2024 | Travelers Championship | 258 | -22 | $2,160,000 |
Three wins before 22 and a $2.16M playoff loss prove he turns up in big moments. That’s rare scoring power for his age.
Tom Kim OWGR Ranking 2026: World Ranking History, Highest Rank, Current Position
Tom reached his career peak of 11th in the OWGR on October 15, 2023. He got there after back-to-back Shriners wins and a T2 at The Open. His ranking then slid during a tough 2025 season. He fell as low as 150th after missing cuts at the PGA Championship and Charles Schwab Challenge. But he’s climbing again.
His solo 3rd at the 2026 U.S. Open earned 40 ranking points. That jumped him from 141st to 64th in one week. As of July 10, 2026, he sits 66th in the world. He’s played 49 OWGR events with 11 top-10s. The data shows his career trajectory is trending up again after the reset.
Tom Kim OWGR Timeline and Milestones
This table tracks his world ranking key moves to follow his rise, fall, and comeback.
Key takeaways:
- His biggest one-week jump was 77 spots after the 2026 U.S. Open.
- He first cracked the top 50 after the 2022 Wyndham win.
- He spent 16 weeks inside the top 15 during 2023.
| Date | Event | Finish | OWGR Move | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aug 2022 | Wyndham Championship | 1st | 112 → 34 | 34 |
| Oct 2022 | Shriners Open | 1st | 24 → 15 | 15 |
| Oct 2023 | Shriners Open | 1st | 16 → 11 | 11 |
| May 2025 | Charles Schwab | T54 | 87 → 150 | 150 |
| June 2026 | U.S. Open | 3rd | 141 → 64 | 64 |
His ranking chart looks like a V. A steep climb to 11th, a sharp dip to 150th, and now a fast recovery toward the top 50.
Tom Kim Stats 2026: Strokes Gained, Driving Distance, GIR, Putting, Scoring Average
Tom builds his game on precision, not power. His 2026 Strokes Gained Approach ranks 11th on Tour at +0.562 per round. That’s elite iron play. He also ranks 8th in scrambling and 11th in bogey avoidance. However his driving distance sits 88th at 303.3 yards. He trades length for accuracy and hits 64.18% of fairways.
Putting is his relative weakness this year. He ranks 102nd in SG: Putting and loses 0.13 strokes per round on greens. Yet his scoring average is 13th at 69.45. He gets it done with Greens in Regulation at 68.20% and birdie average of 3.98. That mix explains why he contends without being long.
Why Is Tom Kim Ranked 11th in Strokes Gained Approach in 2026?
This table breaks down his approach numbers to see why his irons are Tour-level.
Key takeaways:
- He ranks 6th on Tour from 200-225 yards, which is huge for major setups.
- His proximity from rough is 14th, so he saves par even after misses.
- His lead tape weighted T100 irons give him control over trajectory and spin.
| Distance | Proximity | Rank |
|---|---|---|
| 100-125 yds | 17′ 4″ | 10th |
| 200-225 yds | 20′ 1″ | 6th |
| From Rough | 38′ 8″ | 14th |
| Overall | 35′ 3″ | 17th |
That 200+ yard control separates him from most players. It’s why he gained +2.32 strokes on approach Sunday at Shinnecock Hills.
Tom Kim Career Earnings Breakdown: PGA Tour, International Wins, Endorsements by Year
Tom has earned $18,607,600 in official PGA Tour money through July 2026. His breakout 2022-23 season brought $7.77M after two wins. He added $4.12M in 2024 thanks to the Travelers playoff. Even in his down 2025, he made $1.5M. The 2026 U.S. Open 3rd paid $1,532,530 alone.
Off the course, he signed with Nike in January 2023 for head-to-toe apparel. His Titleist staff deal includes GTS3 metals and Pro V1x. Those deals plus appearance fees push his yearly income well past Tour checks. He’s a marketable young star in Korea and the U.S. You can see the full split below.
Tom Kim Career Net Worth and Earnings by Year
This table shows his official Tour earnings plus estimated sponsor deals to track his total net worth growth each season.
Key takeaways:
- He crossed $10M in career earnings before turning 22.
- His Nike and Titleist deals doubled his income starting in 2023.
- His accumulated net worth is near $30M when you add endorsements.
| Year | TOUR Earnings | Sponsor/Deals | Year Total | Net Worth |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020-21 | $98,258 | $150,000 | $248,258 | $248,258 |
| 2021-22 | $2,824,580 | $400,000 | $3,224,580 | $3,472,838 |
| 2022-23 | $7,774,918 | $2,500,000 | $10,274,918 | $13,747,756 |
| 2024 | $4,124,968 | $3,200,000 | $7,324,968 | $21,072,724 |
| 2025 | $1,496,889 | $3,500,000 | $4,996,889 | $26,069,613 |
| 2026 YTD | $2,287,986 | $1,800,000 | $4,087,986 | $30,157,599 |
| Sponsor & Deals | – | $11,550,000 | – | – |
| Accumulated | $18,607,600 | – | – | $30,157,599 |
Three Tour wins by 21 plus Nike and Titleist backing explain his fast rise to $30M net worth. His brand value keeps climbing with every major top-5.
Tom Kim Golf Swing and Playing Style: Iron Play, Precision, Scotty Cameron Putter
Kim’s golf swing is built for repeatability. He takes the club back on plane and rotates hard through impact. His swing speed is 112.92 mph, which ranks 129th, so he isn’t chasing distance. Instead he controls launch and spin with his T100 irons. You’ll notice he uses lead tape on his irons for custom feel. That helps his proximity numbers.
His short game saves him. He ranks 8th in scrambling and 5th from 10-20 yards. He currently plays a Scotty Cameron Newport 2 Prototype with a tri-sole. He’s rotated through several Scotty models but likes the stability of the Newport shape. For comparison, Tom Hoge and J.T. Poston also rely on precision over power. His style beats bombers when courses demand accuracy.
He plays like Russell Henley and Harris English with elite approach and strong wedges. That’s why he thrives at TPC Summerlin and Sedgefield.
Tom Kim Timeline: Turned Pro 2018 to U.S. Open 2026: Key Milestones by Year
Tom turned pro in May 2018 at age 15 after a standout amateur career in the Philippines. He won quickly on the Asian Development Tour and Philippine Golf Tour. By 2020 he captured the KPGA Gunsan CC Open and topped the Asian Tour Order of Merit. His first PGA Tour start came at the 2020 Safeway Open.
He earned Special Temporary Membership after the 2022 Open Championship. Three starts later he won the Wyndham Championship. He added two Shriners titles, played two Presidents Cups, and finished 8th at the 2024 Olympics. After a 2025 slump he bounced back with a 2026 U.S. Open 3rd. He’s played with Si Woo Kim, Eric Cole, and Kurt Kitayama in key events.
How Did Tom Kim Go From 150th to 66th in OWGR in 2026?
This table maps his 2026 results that fueled his world ranking comeback to see the turnaround week by week.
Key takeaways:
- His Myrtle Beach T6 in May started the climb and gave him confidence.
- You can see the U.S. Open 3rd delivered 40 points and vaulted him 77 spots.
- He’s made 14 of 16 cuts which stabilized his ranking floor.
| Date | Tournament | Finish | Points | OWGR |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| May 2026 | Myrtle Beach | T6 | 6.2 | 110 |
| June 2026 | RBC Canadian | T15 | 7.8 | 98 |
| June 2026 | U.S. Open | 3rd | 40.0 | 64 |
| July 2026 | Scottish Open | T4 thru R2 | – | 66 |
The U.S. Open podium was the catalyst. One elite major week can erase a year of missed cuts.
Tom Kim: Latest Results, Scottish Open 2026, Next Tournament Schedule
Tom is T4 through two rounds at the 2026 Genesis Scottish Open. He opened with a 65 at The Renaissance Club and sits at -8, one shot back of Rory McIlroy, Viktor Hovland, and Wyndham Clark. He’s gained strokes in all categories this week. His next start is likely The Open Championship.
He’s also climbed into the top 10 of the International Presidents Cup standings again. For context, Chandler Phillips, Trevor Cone, Greyson Sigg, Sam Stevens, and Taylor Montgomery are also in the Scottish field. Keep an eye on his weekend scoring average. He ranks 20th on Tour in late rounds this year.
Tom Kim 2026 Recent Tournament Results
This table gives his last five starts to track his current form heading into the majors.
Key takeaways:
- He has four top-25s in his last five events including a major podium.
- His worst finish was T54 at the Charles Schwab.
- His scoring average over this stretch is 69.1 which beats his season mark.
| Date | Tournament | Pos | R4 | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| May 2026 | Myrtle Beach | T6 | 67 | -14 |
| May 2026 | Charles Schwab | T54 | 74 | E |
| June 2026 | RBC Canadian | T15 | 66 | -10 |
| June 2026 | U.S. Open | 3rd | 70 | -1 |
| July 2026 | Scottish Open | T4* | – | -8 |
Four straight made cuts and a major 3rd show he’s peaking mid-summer. That form makes him dangerous for The Open at Cypress Point Club.
Conclusion
Tom Kim has already packed a Hall of Fame start into just four PGA Tour seasons. He blends Korean grit with American polish and backs it up with data. You will see him near the top in Strokes Gained Approach and scrambling every year. His wins at Wyndham and Shriners proved he can close. His 2026 U.S. Open podium showed he can contend on the toughest stages.
At 24 he’s still learning yet his ceiling keeps rising. With Nike support and a full Titleist bag he has the tools to chase majors. His comeback in 2026 from 150th to 66th in the OWGR tells you he never quits. Watch his iron play and Sunday poise. If he keeps this pace he will be a fixture in Presidents Cups and major Sundays for the next decade.
FAQs
What happened with Tom Kim?
He lost a playoff to Scottie Scheffler at the 2024 Travelers Championship after leading most of Sunday. He also finished solo third at the 2026 U.S. Open and climbed 77 spots in the OWGR.
Will Tom Kim have to serve in South Korean military?
He is exempt from mandatory South Korean military service because he won a gold medal at the 2022 Asian Games with the national team. So he can keep playing full time.
Are Scottie Scheffler and Tom Kim friends?
Yes, they are close friends and often practice together in Dallas. They battled in the 2024 Travelers playoff and he calls him a mentor.
What is Tom Kim’s net worth in 2026?
His estimated net worth sits at $30.1M from Tour earnings plus Nike and Titleist deals. He’s earned $18.6M on the PGA Tour alone through July 2026.
How old is Tom Kim and where is he from?
He is 24 years old and was born on June 21, 2002 in Seoul, South Korea. He grew up there and in Australia and the Philippines.
Who is Tom Kim’s wife?
His wife is Lee Seo-yeon. They met in Dallas in 2024 and married privately because she was still a student.
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Ahmed Hassan is an AI-powered SEO specialist and golf content writer with 2 years of experience. At CelebDecoded.com, he writes about emerging golfers, player profiles, rankings, NIL deals, and more.