South Korean golfer Tom Kim recently had two PGA Tour victories before he was 21 – a feat last accomplished by a young Tiger Woods 26 years ago.
On Sunday, Kim defeated former world No. 1 amateur golfer and 2021 FedEx Cup champion Patrick Cantlay in a head-to-head match to claim first place at the Shiner Children’s Open.
Kim scored his second PGA Tour win at the age of 20 years and three months, six months younger than Woods, when he achieved the same feat at the Walt Disney World Golf Classic.
“It’s really amazing,” Kim told the PGA Tour. “A few months ago I had no status in the US and now to be a two-time TOUR winner, to have this place with Tiger is an amazing feeling for me. It’s an honor for me and it’s definitely a dream come true.”
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Born in Seoul to former professional golfer Kim Chang-ik, the golfing phenom has drawn comparisons to Woods not only for his amazing flair for the sport but also for his own unique nickname, inspired by Thomas the Tank Engine from the popular children’s series “Thomas & Friends”.
“I loved the show as a kid. I didn’t see it or anything, but apparently I really loved the train,” Kim told CNN. “Over the years people started calling me Tom, it was shorter so I went with Tom after that.”
After outstanding performances in six tournaments, including top-50 finishes at both the US and British Opens, Kim will continue full steam ahead with his recent win as a full-time member of the PGA Tour. His next stop will be next week’s FedEx Cup Playoffs, where he will compete for a spot at the PGA Tour Championships this August.
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“It will be my eighth straight week if I make it to the Tour Championship,” Kim said. “It’s a lot of golf but I enjoy it and am honored to play on the PGA Tour, it’s amazing.”
The story goes on
Featured image via joohyungkim0621
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