Introduction
Kurt Kitayama is one of the rising stars in the world of professional golf. With a mix of consistency, power, and tactical play, Kitayama has steadily carved out a place for himself on the PGA Tour. In this article, we’ll explore Kurt Kitayama’s wins, his nationality, and how old he is, while also providing insights into his journey, achievements, and what lies ahead in his golfing career.
Whether you’re a golf enthusiast, a sports journalist, or just curious about Kurt Kitayama’s profile, this deep-dive will answer all your questions.
Who is Kurt Kitayama?
Kurt Shun Kitayama is a professional golfer from the United States. Known for his tenacity and aggressive playstyle, he burst onto the international golf scene with back-to-back European Tour victories early in his career.
Despite being slightly under the radar compared to the big names in American golf, Kitayama’s performances—especially against top-ranked players—have made him a serious contender on the PGA Tour and globally.
How Old is Kurt Kitayama?
Kurt Kitayama was born on January 14, 1993.
As of July 2025, he is 32 years old.
Born in Chico, California, Kitayama’s early life and junior golf development took place in Northern California. His age places him right in the prime years for a golfer—old enough to be experienced, yet young enough to compete at the highest physical level.
What is Kurt Kitayama’s Nationality?
Kurt Kitayama is American.
He was born and raised in Chico, California, and holds United States citizenship.
While his last name reflects Japanese heritage, Kitayama is a proud American who represents the United States in all his golf competitions. His Asian-American background also contributes to the growing diversity in professional golf, an arena that has historically lacked minority representation.
Early Life and Background
Kitayama grew up in a sports-loving family. His older brother, Daniel Kitayama, was a basketball player, and the athletic spirit clearly runs in the family. Kurt began playing golf at a young age and quickly stood out among his peers due to his calm demeanor, calculated approach, and willingness to compete against tougher opponents.
He attended University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV), a school with a strong golfing tradition. While there, Kitayama played collegiate golf at a high level and further honed his technical skills under structured NCAA programs.
Kurt Kitayama’s Professional Career
Kurt Kitayama turned professional in 2015, and like many golfers, began his career grinding through the smaller tours. His early years were marked by:
- Playing on the Asian Tour, PGA Tour of Australasia, and Korn Ferry Tour
- Gaining international experience by competing in various global circuits
- Building a strong mental game despite limited early success
His breakthrough moment came in 2018, when he qualified for the European Tour.
Career Wins: How Many Wins Does Kurt Kitayama Have?
As of 2025, Kurt Kitayama has three significant professional wins, including:
🏆 1. AfrAsia Bank Mauritius Open (2018)
This was his first European Tour win. In only his third European Tour start, Kitayama triumphed in a playoff and made headlines as one of the quickest players to win on the tour after gaining status.
🏆 2. Oman Open (2019)
Kitayama cemented his place as a rising force with his second European Tour victory. He overcame tough conditions and fierce competition, showing his resilience and composure under pressure.
🏆 3. Arnold Palmer Invitational (2023)
This was his first PGA Tour victory and by far the most significant win of his career. Held at the Bay Hill Club in Florida, the Arnold Palmer Invitational is one of the most prestigious events on the PGA Tour. Kitayama outlasted several top-10 players, including Rory McIlroy, to secure the title and vault into the top ranks of golf.
Kitayama’s Performance in Majors
Though he has yet to win a major championship, Kitayama has shown he can compete with the best:
- 2022 PGA Championship – Tied 23rd
- 2022 U.S. Open – Tied 51st
- 2023 The Open Championship – Top 30 finish
- 2023 Masters Tournament – Missed Cut
He continues to gain experience and exposure on the big stage. With his first PGA Tour win behind him, experts believe a major title could be within reach in the coming seasons.
Playing Style and Strengths
Kurt Kitayama is known for:
- Aggressive Driving – Despite his relatively short stature (5 ft 7 in), he ranks high in driving distance.
- Mental Toughness – He doesn’t shy away from difficult shots or big-stage moments.
- Consistency – He maintains a balanced scorecard and avoids high numbers.
- Adaptability – Having played globally, Kitayama is used to different course types, weather, and playing conditions.
Rankings and Earnings
As of mid-2025:
- Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR): Top 30
- PGA Tour Earnings (career): Over $10 million
- Best FedEx Cup Finish: Top 25 (2023 season)
His steady climb in the rankings reflects his performance against elite competition.
Sponsors and Endorsements
Kurt Kitayama has signed several sponsorship deals following his PGA Tour success. These include:
- Nike Golf – Apparel and footwear
- Titleist – Clubs and golf balls
- Rolex – Luxury watch sponsorship
- NetJets – Travel and lifestyle
His rising marketability has made him a sought-after name for global golf brands.
Personal Life and Interests
Off the course, Kitayama is known to be humble and grounded. He keeps a low profile but is often spotted enjoying:
- Basketball – An avid fan of the NBA, especially the Los Angeles Lakers.
- Travel – His global playing schedule has turned him into a world traveler.
- Fitness – Regularly trains for strength and flexibility, crucial for his driving power.
Unlike many sports stars, Kitayama doesn’t flaunt his wealth or personal life, preferring to let his game do the talking.
Challenges and Comebacks
Kitayama’s career hasn’t been without setbacks. Some of the major challenges he faced include:
- Missing PGA Tour card early on – He had to take the long route via international tours.
- Struggles with form (2020-2021) – A dip in performance during the pandemic-affected seasons.
- Injury scares – Minor wrist and shoulder issues, but he bounced back stronger.
Each time, Kitayama showed the determination and grit needed to return to form.
What’s Next for Kurt Kitayama?
Looking ahead, here are some key goals and opportunities for Kitayama:
- Winning a Major Championship – The next big milestone
- Ryder Cup / Presidents Cup selection – As his ranking climbs, a team spot becomes more realistic
- More PGA Tour wins – To solidify his place among the elite
- Increased sponsorship and brand visibility – With more wins come more endorsement deals
Golf insiders believe that Kitayama could be a dark horse at upcoming majors like the PGA Championship or The Open.
Social Media Presence
Kitayama maintains a modest social media presence:
- Instagram (@kurtkitayama) – Photos from tournaments, travel, and training
- Twitter/X (@Kurt_Kitayama) – Occasional tweets about results, gratitude to fans
- No YouTube channel – Keeps content limited to essentials
While not very active on social media, he engages with fans post-tournament and shows appreciation for their support.
Interesting Facts About Kurt Kitayama
- UNLV Graduate – Shares alma mater with PGA legend Adam Scott.
- First win on European Tour came in just his 3rd event
- Played in over 30 countries before solidifying his PGA career
- Japanese-American heritage – Brings cultural diversity to pro golf
- Nickname: “The Project” among peers, for his work ethic and steady development
Final Thoughts
Kurt Kitayama’s story is one of perseverance, skill, and continuous growth. From humble beginnings in California to winning one of the PGA Tour’s toughest events, he’s shown that hard work and global experience can create champions.
As of 2025, Kurt Kitayama is a 32-year-old American golfer with 3 major professional wins, including a celebrated victory at the Arnold Palmer Invitational. With a bright future ahead, it’s only a matter of time before he challenges for major titles and etches his name among golf’s elite.
FAQs About Kurt Kitayama
Q1. How old is Kurt Kitayama in 2025?
A1. He is 32 years old as of July 2025.
Q2. What is Kurt Kitayama’s nationality?
A2. He is American, born in Chico, California.
Q3. How many professional wins does Kurt Kitayama have?
A3. He has 3 major professional wins: two on the European Tour and one on the PGA Tour.
Q4. When did Kitayama win his first PGA Tour event?
A4. He won the Arnold Palmer Invitational in 2023.
Q5. Where did Kurt Kitayama go to college?
A5. He attended the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV).
