English amateur star Kris Kim will put the GCSE revision on hold for an exam of a different kind and a PGA Tour debut at the CJ Cup Bryon Nelson.
The 16-year-old delivered an impressive undefeated performance in his Junior Ryder Cup debut last September as part of a memorable 2023, picking up three and a half victories in Team Europe’s record-breaking victory over Team USA in Rome.
Kim also enjoyed wins at the Boys’ Amateur Championship, European Boys’ Individual Championship and McGregor Trophy last year, with Kim now getting the opportunity to test his game against the stars of the PGA Tour.
Kim received a sponsorship exemption from CJ Group – which also sponsors him individually – to compete at TPC Craig Ranch May 2-5. Live on Sky Sportswhere Jason Day returns as the defending champion and Will Zalatoris is among the other notable names in action.
“I’m so excited to be in Texas,” Kim said. “It’s something you’re always working towards and it’s a great opportunity.”
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AT&T Byron Nelson fourth round highlights in Texas
“I can’t wait to play in front of a big crowd again. I’ve never hit the ball as far as I did in the Ryder Cup. The adrenaline rush is what makes golf so much fun. After playing this course, and a few more tour courses, I appreciate the task ahead of me and look forward to the challenge.”
On the potential distraction the tournament could bring to his GCSE preparation, Surrey-based Kim added: “I’m trying to revise it, I promise, but it’s quite difficult! My schedule is pretty full at the moment.”
Highlights of Kim’s career so far included his 5&4 victory in the Junior Ryder Cup singles over rising American star Miles Russell, who finished 20th at the Korn Ferry Tour’s Suncoast Classic in Florida last week, becoming the youngest player ever a top 25 placement has been achieved at this level in over 40 years.
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Andrea Revuelta holed the winning putt for Team Europe’s Junior Ryder Cup team at the Marco Simone Golf and Country Club to win the trophy and end a streak of six straight losses!
Kim’s appearance in America follows in the footsteps of his mother Ji-Hyun Suh, who was one of the Korean pioneers who competed on the LPGA Tour in the 1990s and sparked the South Korean wave of success in both the men’s and women’s ranks.
“I’ll definitely ask my mom for advice,” Kim said. “It will be a completely different environment and you don’t know how you will react to it. She’ll help me deal with it.”
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“She’s my coach and we talk about everything from dealing with nerves, taking one shot at a time, letting go of bad shots, keeping it simple, and course strategy.”
“My first goal is to make the breakthrough and then see what happens. At the end of the day, I am one of 144 competitors and we all have a chance. Whatever happens, it will be very helpful for my future because I will gain so much experience.
“I know I’m still young and learning a lesson almost every week, but this week is going to be a lot bigger!”
Follow the PGA Tour live all season on Sky Sports! Early coverage of the CJ Cup Byron Nelson begins on Sky Sports Golf from 12.45pm on Thursday, before full coverage from 9pm.
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