Kris Kim Ready for Second Act at THE CJ CUP
Twelve months after stunning PGA Tour debut, English teenager eyes another magical weekend at TPC Craig Ranch.
Seoul, Korea - English sensation Kris Kim is set to return to the PGA spotlight at THE CJ CUP Byron Nelson in Dallas, exactly a year after becoming the fifth-youngest golfer ever to make a PGA Tour cut, captivating fans and sponsors alike.
Kim, now a seasoned 17-year-old, first made headlines at TPC Craig Ranch last May, navigating a pressure-packed final hole at just 16 years and seven months. Needing a par to secure weekend golf, Kim calmly laid up on the daunting 552-yard par-5, stuck a wedge to within six feet, and confidently sank the putt for his sixth birdie of the day.
“It being a par-5 was helpful,” Kim later explained, exhibiting the composure of a veteran. “I decided not to go for the green in two.”
Kim's spectacular debut performance sparked immense enthusiasm from sponsors. The CJ Group swiftly recognised the teenager’s talent, signing Kim as their first amateur golfing ambassador. Ethan Kim, CJ’s Sports Marketing Director, praised Kim’s impact: “We were very impressed with Kris’s performance. He broke records and nearly made a hole-in-one.”
Backed by Under Armour and TaylorMade under a groundbreaking NIL contract, Kim has taken inspiration from his mother, Ji-Hyun Suh, an LPGA trailblazer from Korea.
James Byers, CEO of Kim’s management group, Trinifold Sports, emphasised the importance of Kim's second invitation, saying: “There's no price on giving young people opportunity. Kris will keep calm, prepare thoroughly, and play golf—just as he always does.”
Kim will once again rely on experienced caddie Olly Brett, who also loops for LPGA star Rose Zhang. Brett’s presence was instrumental last year, keeping Kim relaxed with humour and distraction. "It was pretty intense how hard Olly worked to help me,” Kim recalled gratefully.
Before returning to Dallas, Kim will represent England for the first time at senior level against Spain—excellent competitive preparation for his PGA encore. Eager for the experience, Kim admits, "It was so much fun the first time; I just want to experience it all again—hopefully all four days this time."
THE CJ CUP Byron Nelson tees off at TPC Craig Ranch from 1-4 May 2025, where the golfing world eagerly awaits another chapter in Kris Kim’s blossoming career.