Who Is Tom Kim?

Tom Kim, whose real name is Kim Joo-hyung, is a South Korean professional golfer who competes primarily on the PGA Tour. He was born on June 21, 2002, in Seoul, South Korea.

Interestingly, the nickname “Tom” came from his childhood love for the animated television series “Thomas & Friends.” Because he admired Thomas the Tank Engine, friends and family started calling him Tom, and the name eventually stuck.

Unlike many professional golfers who spend their entire childhood in one country, Tom Kim had a unique upbringing. Due to his father’s profession as a golf instructor, he lived in several countries, including Thailand, Australia, China, and the Philippines. This international experience helped him become fluent in multiple languages, including Korean, English, and Tagalog.

Tom Kim’s Age and Birthday

One of the reasons golf fans are amazed by Tom Kim is his age. Born on June 21, 2002, Tom Kim turned 23 years old in 2025.

At an age when many players are still competing in amateur tournaments or college golf, Tom Kim has already won multiple PGA Tour titles and represented his country in international competitions.

Tom Kim Quick Facts

• Full Name: Kim Joo-hyung
• Popular Name: Tom Kim
• Date of Birth: June 21, 2002
• Age: 23 years old
• Birthplace: Seoul, South Korea
• Nationality: South Korean
• Height: 6 feet (1.83 meters)
• Turned Professional: 2018
• Profession: Professional Golfer

How Tom Kim Started Playing Golf

Golf runs in Tom Kim’s family. His father, Kim Chang-ik, was a professional golfer before becoming a golf teaching professional.

Tom was introduced to golf at an early age and quickly developed a passion for the game. Because his family moved frequently, he experienced different golf cultures and training methods around the world.

Instead of attending college and playing collegiate golf in the United States, Tom decided to pursue professional golf directly. He turned professional in 2018 at just 16 years old.

The decision proved to be a masterstroke.

Early Professional Success

Before joining the PGA Tour, Tom Kim made a name for himself on Asian golf circuits.

He recorded impressive victories on:

• Asian Tour
• Korean Tour
• Asian Development Tour
• Philippine Golf Tour

His performances earned him recognition as one of Asia’s best young golfers.

Tom won the Asian Tour Order of Merit and the Korean Tour Player of the Year honors while still a teenager. These achievements showcased his enormous potential and attracted global attention.

Tom Kim’s Breakthrough on the PGA Tour

Tom Kim’s breakthrough moment came in 2022.

At the Wyndham Championship, he delivered a sensational performance and became the first PGA Tour winner born after the year 2000.

The victory was historic for several reasons:

• One of the youngest PGA Tour winners
• First player born in the 2000s to win on the PGA Tour
• Established himself as one of golf’s brightest emerging stars

His success did not stop there.

Tom followed his breakthrough by winning the Shriners Children’s Open and successfully defended the title the following year.

By the age of 22, he had already secured three PGA Tour victories.

Tom Kim’s PGA Tour Wins

Tom Kim has accumulated multiple PGA Tour victories in a remarkably short period.

PGA Tour Victories

1. Wyndham Championship (2022)
2. Shriners Children’s Open (2022)
3. Shriners Children’s Open (2023)

Winning three PGA Tour titles before turning 22 placed him in elite company and drew comparisons with some of golf’s greatest young talents.

Tom Kim at the US Open

The US Open is widely regarded as one of golf’s most difficult major championships. Known for its demanding course setups and intense pressure, it tests every aspect of a player’s game.

Tom Kim has shown that he can compete against the world’s best on this challenging stage.

One of his strongest performances came when he recorded a top-10 finish at the US Open.

More recently, he remained in contention during the 2026 US Open, demonstrating resilience and composure against one of the toughest fields in professional golf. He finished among the leading challengers during the tournament and showcased his ability to compete in major championships.

For a golfer still in his early twenties, these experiences are invaluable and suggest that major championship victories could be in his future.

Tom Kim’s Playing Style

Tom Kim has developed a reputation as one of the most entertaining players on the PGA Tour.

His game is characterized by:

Excellent Iron Play

Tom consistently hits accurate approach shots and creates numerous birdie opportunities.

Strong Short Game

He possesses exceptional touch around the greens and is capable of recovering from difficult positions.

Mental Toughness

Despite his young age, Tom often displays remarkable composure under pressure.

Energetic Personality

Unlike many golfers who maintain a reserved demeanor, Tom embraces emotions and engages with fans.

This combination has helped him build a growing fan base worldwide.

Tom Kim’s World Ranking and Career Growth

Tom Kim’s rapid rise in professional golf has seen him climb the world rankings quickly.

At one stage, he reached inside the world’s top 15 golfers and became one of the youngest players among the game’s elite.

Although professional golf is highly competitive and rankings fluctuate throughout the season, Tom remains one of the PGA Tour’s most promising young stars.

Experts believe that his youth and proven ability to win tournaments position him for sustained success over the next decade.

Tom Kim’s Major Championship Record

Major championships often define a golfer’s legacy.

Tom Kim has already shown encouraging results in golf’s biggest events.

Masters Tournament

Top finish: T16

US Open

Top finish: T8

The Open Championship

Top finish: Runner-up (T2)

PGA Championship

Top finish: T26

These performances indicate that Tom possesses the skills required to eventually win major championships.

Is Tom Kim Married?

One of the most frequently searched questions about Tom Kim is whether he has a wife.

As of 2026, Tom Kim is not married and has not publicly announced having a wife or long-term partner.

The young golfer generally keeps his personal life private and prefers to focus attention on his professional career.

Because of his popularity and charismatic personality, fans are naturally curious about his relationships. However, there is currently no confirmed information suggesting that Tom Kim has a wife.

Tom Kim’s Family Background

Family has played an important role in Tom Kim’s development.

His father, Kim Chang-ik, was instrumental in introducing him to golf and helping shape his early career.

Growing up in different countries exposed Tom to diverse cultures and experiences that helped him mature quickly.

These experiences have contributed to his adaptability and confidence, qualities that are clearly visible on the golf course.

Why Golf Fans Love Tom Kim

Tom Kim has become one of the PGA Tour’s most popular players.

Reasons for his popularity include:

Authentic Personality

He shows genuine emotions and interacts naturally with fans.

Positive Energy

Tom frequently smiles and brings enthusiasm to tournaments.

Youthful Confidence

He competes fearlessly against golf’s biggest names.

Impressive Talent

Winning multiple PGA Tour events at such a young age has earned widespread respect.

Many analysts believe he could become one of the faces of golf for years to come.

The Future of Tom Kim

At just 23 years old, Tom Kim has already accomplished what many professional golfers dream of achieving.

His resume includes:

• Multiple PGA Tour victories
• Top finishes in major championships
• International recognition
• Representation of South Korea on the global stage

Considering his age, experience, and talent, there is every reason to believe that Tom Kim’s best golf still lies ahead.

If he continues improving and maintaining consistency, major championships and further PGA Tour victories seem highly likely.

Conclusion

Tom Kim has rapidly evolved into one of golf’s brightest young stars. Born on June 21, 2002, in Seoul, South Korea, the 23-year-old golfer has already won multiple PGA Tour events and demonstrated his ability to contend in major championships such as the US Open.

His journey from a teenager competing on Asian golf tours to one of the PGA Tour’s most recognizable players is nothing short of remarkable. With his energetic personality, exceptional talent, and strong mental game, Tom Kim is poised to remain a significant figure in professional golf for many years.

While fans continue searching for details about his wife and personal life, Tom Kim’s primary focus remains his golfing career. If his early achievements are any indication, the South Korean sensation is only beginning to realize his immense potential.

FAQs

Who is Tom Kim?

Tom Kim, whose real name is Kim Joo-hyung, is a South Korean professional golfer who competes on the PGA Tour.

How old is Tom Kim?

Tom Kim is 23 years old. He was born on June 21, 2002.

What is Tom Kim’s birthday?

Tom Kim’s birthday is June 21, 2002.

Is Tom Kim married?

No. As of 2026, Tom Kim is not married and does not have a publicly known wife.

How many PGA Tour events has Tom Kim won?

Tom Kim has won three PGA Tour tournaments.

Has Tom Kim played in the US Open?

Yes. Tom Kim has competed in the US Open and recorded impressive performances, including a top-10 finish.