Tom Kim is a rising South Korean golf star who’s already grabbed three PGA Tour wins before turning 23. He’s known for his clutch plays and fun personality on the course.
Tom Kim’s Biography
Here’s a quick breakdown of Tom Kim’s key personal details in a table format.
| Attribute | Details |
| Full Name | Kim Joo-hyung |
| Nickname | Tom |
| Date of Birth | June 21, 2002 |
| Age | 23 years |
| Nationality | South Korea |
| Height | 6 ft 0 in (1.83 m) |
| Weight | N/A |
| Turned Professional | 2018 |
| Current Tour | PGA Tour / Jupiter Links GC (TGL) |
| Career Prize Money | $16,576,586 |
| Achievements | 3 PGA Tour wins, 2 Asian Tour, 2 Korean Tour, 12 pro wins total |
| Sponsors / Endorsements | Nike, Titleist, others |
| Marital Status | Unmarried |
| Spouse / Partner | N/A |
| Instagram Profile | N/A |
Tom Kim grew up traveling due to his dad’s coaching gigs in Australia, Philippines, and Thailand. That global exposure sharpened his game early. He’s based in Dallas now but reps Seoul proudly.
Early Career
Tom Kim, born in Seoul, started golf under his pro dad Kim Chang-ik. He honed skills abroad in Australia, Philippines, and Thailand. As an amateur, he nabbed the 2017 Philippine Junior Amateur, 2018 Philippine Amateur Open, and W Express RVF Cup.
Turned pro at 15 in 2018 on Philippine Golf Tour, winning ICTSI Pueblo de Oro right away. By 2019, he dominated Asian Development Tour with three wins, including Tiara Melaka by six shots and Raya Pakistan Open by nine. At 17, he won Panasonic Open India on Asian Tour, second-youngest ever there.
Professional Career
Kim exploded in 2020 with KPGA Gunsan CC Open win and fourth at SMBC Singapore Open, earning Open Championship spot. In 2021, SK Telecom Open victory topped Korean Tour Order of Merit. Joined PGA Tour via special membership after strong 2022 Asian Tour: Singapore International playoff win, led money list. Shot 61 to win Wyndham Championship, then Shriners Children’s Open by three.
Defended Shriners in 2023, only second to do so back-to-back there besides Byron Nelson. Hit Presidents Cup 2022 and 2024 for International team. As of 2026, three PGA wins total, $16M+ earnings, world rank 118, no wins yet this season but steady cuts.
Tom Kim’s Net Worth Details
As of 2026, Tom Kim’s net worth sits around $10-12 million, fueled by PGA prize money over $16 million and fat endorsement deals. Earlier 2025 estimates pegged it at $10 million, but 2026 earnings and TGL play boost it. No exact public figure released yet.
Prize Money
Here’s Tom Kim’s PGA Tour prize money by key years (latest available; 2026 partial at ~$100k+ early season).
| Year | Earnings |
| 2021-22 | $2,824,580 |
| 2022-23 | $7,774,918 |
| 2024 | $4,124,968 |
| 2025 | $1,496,889 |
| 2026 (YTD) | ~$100,000+ |
| Career Total | $16,576,586 |
Career Earnings
Full career earnings breakdown (PGA official + tours; estimates include bonuses).
| Year | Official PGA | Unofficial/Other | Tour Bonus | Total |
| 2021 | $98,258 | – | – | $98,258 |
| 2022 | $2,824,581 | – | – | $2,824,581 |
| 2023 | $7,774,919 | $119,500 | $620,000 | $8,514,419 |
| 2024 | $4,124,968 | – | – | $4,124,968 |
| 2025 | $1,496,889 | – | – | $1,496,889 |
| 2026 YTD | ~$100k | – | – | ~$100k |
| Grand Total | $16,576,586 | ~$119k+ | ~$620k+ | ~$17.3M+ |
Endorsements
Tom Kim inks big with Nike for head-to-toe gear—caps, shirts, shoes—since early 2023, joining elite like Rory. Titleist staffs his bag with TSR/TSi drivers, irons for precision bombs.
Past CJ Corp ties from Korea, now global swoosh crew. These deals net ~$700k+ yearly, per older reports, padding his off-course cash big time. TGL with Jupiter Links GC adds exposure too.
Major Championship
Tom Kim’s major track record—strong Open showing but building consistency.
| Tournament | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 | 2025 |
| Masters Tournament | – | – | – | T16 | T30 | T52 |
| PGA Championship | CUT | – | CUT | CUT | T26 | 71 |
| U.S. Open | – | – | 23 | T8 | T26 | T33 |
| The Open Championship | NT | – | T47 | T2 | CUT | CUT |
FAQs
1. Who is Tom Kim?
Tom Kim, whose real name is Kim Joo-hyung, is a South Korean professional golfer born on June 21, 2002, in Seoul. He turned pro in 2018 and has won three PGA Tour events, becoming one of the sport’s rising stars known for his early success and charismatic personality.
2. Why is he called Tom Kim instead of his real name?
Tom Kim adopted the nickname “Tom” as a child because of his love for Thomas the Tank Engine; he initially named himself Thomas, and by age 11, friends shortened it to Tom. This name stuck as he pursued golf professionally, making it simpler and more natural for international audiences.
3. How many PGA Tour wins does Tom Kim have?
Tom Kim has three PGA Tour victories: the 2022 Wyndham Championship, the 2022 Shriners Children’s Open, and the 2023 Shriners Children’s Open. His back-to-back wins at Shriners made him the youngest three-time PGA Tour winner since Tiger Woods in 1997 and the only player besides Byron Nelson to win the same event twice in one season.
4. What is Tom Kim’s age and height?
As of 2026, Tom Kim is 23 years old, having been born on June 21, 2002. He stands at 6 feet (183 cm) tall, which supports his powerful yet controlled swing on the course.
5. Where was Tom Kim born and raised?
Tom Kim was born in Seoul, South Korea, and his family moved frequently during his childhood, including to Australia for English lessons, the Philippines at age 13 for golf development, and Thailand. He now resides in Dallas, Texas, while representing South Korea.
6. Who are Tom Kim’s parents?
Tom Kim’s father, Changik Lee, is a former professional golfer who coached him from a young age and instilled a strong work ethic. His mother, Kwanjoo Kim, owns a restaurant called Silang Garden and provided unwavering emotional support throughout his career.
7. Does Tom Kim have any siblings?
Yes, Tom Kim has an older brother named Jaewook Kim, who has been part of the family’s supportive dynamic during their travels and his golf journey. The brothers grew up moving across countries together as their parents prioritized Tom’s development.
8. What are some of Tom Kim’s major achievements?
Tom Kim won the Panasonic Open India at 17 years and 149 days, becoming the second-youngest Asian Tour winner ever. He earned PGA Tour Rookie of the Year honors, topped the Asian Tour Order of Merit three times, and became the first post-2000 born player to win on the PGA Tour with his 2022 Wyndham victory.
9. What is Tom Kim’s golf swing style like?
Tom Kim employs a hybrid-style swing that reduces lag for better hand speed and synchronization with his body rotation, allowing consistent power without excessive hand action. He maintains shaft angle through impact by tilting and turning efficiently, contributing to his precision and distance.
10. How has Tom Kim performed recently in 2026?
In early 2026, Tom Kim finished 35th at the Phoenix Open (-6) and 65th at the Farmers Insurance Open (even par), showing solid cuts made amid a competitive field. He remains exempt through 2026 via prior wins and continues grinding for top finishes on the PGA Tour.