Auston Kim has rapidly established herself as one of the most exciting young talents on the LPGA Tour, known for her incredible power off the tee and a breakout 2025 season.
After a standout college career at Vanderbilt and a gritty rise through the Epson Tour, she has become a major contender, highlighted by a runner-up finish at the KPMG Women’s PGA Championship.
Auston Kim’s Biography
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Auston Kim (Korean: 김고은) |
| Date of Birth | August 16, 2000 |
| Age | 25 |
| Education | Vanderbilt University (B.A. Political Science) |
| Nationality | American |
| Hometown | St. Augustine, Florida |
| Turned Pro | 2022 |
| Net Worth | Est. $1.5 Million |
| Career Earnings | ~$2.3 Million |
| Relationship Status | Single |
| Instagram Profile | @austonkim |
| Twitter Profile | @AustonTKim |
Early Career
Auston Kim’s path to professional golf was shaped by a strong family influence and a stellar collegiate career. Born in St. Augustine, Florida, she was introduced to the game by her father, Christopher, alongside her older sister, August Kim, who also became a professional golfer.
Auston attended Vanderbilt University, where she was a standout student-athlete. She majored in Political Science and graduated in 2022, balancing high-level academics with elite competition.
During her time at Vanderbilt, Kim developed a reputation as a powerful ball-striker. She competed in multiple U.S. Women’s Opens as an amateur, gaining valuable experience against the world’s best players before even turning pro.
Her amateur success set the stage for her transition to the professional ranks in May 2022. Immediately after graduating, she focused on qualifying for the LPGA Tour, starting her journey on the developmental Epson Tour where she would soon prove she belonged in the big leagues.
Professional Career
Auston Kim’s professional career officially launched in 2022, but her true breakthrough came during the 2023 Epson Tour season.
She played in 21 events and made 17 cuts, recording ten top-10 finishes. The highlight of her early career was winning the 2023 Epson Tour Championship in dramatic fashion.
This clutch victory propelled her to 3rd place in the Race for the Card standings, securing her full LPGA Tour status for the 2024 season. It was a life-changing moment that validated her hard work and talent.
Her rookie season on the LPGA Tour in 2024 was a year of learning and steady improvement, where she comfortably kept her card. However, 2025 was the year Auston Kim became a household name.
She emerged as one of the longest hitters on tour, ranking in the top 3 for driving distance with averages exceeding 280 yards. This power game translated into massive success, including a career-best T2 finish at the KPMG Women’s PGA Championship, a major tournament.
This performance alone skyrocketed her earnings and world ranking, solidifying her status as a rising star in American golf.
Caddie
Auston Kim’s caddie is Brendan Woolley. He has been on her bag during her breakout 2025 season, including her impressive performances in major championships.
A good caddie-player relationship is critical at the elite level, and Woolley has helped Kim navigate the pressures of tour life and course management.
Their partnership has proven effective, particularly in leveraging Kim’s immense driving distance to attack golf courses aggressively.
Auston Kim’s Net Worth Details
As of 2025, Auston Kim’s net worth is estimated to be around $1.5 million.
Career Earnings
| Year | Tour | Official Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | Epson Tour | ~$131,135 |
| 2024 | LPGA Tour | ~$500,000 (Est.) |
| 2025 | LPGA Tour | ~$1,640,007 |
| Total | Career | ~$2,300,000 |
Endorsements
Auston Kim has secured several valuable endorsement deals that contribute to her income. She is managed by SPORTFIVE, a major sports agency.
Her equipment and apparel sponsors include PXG (Parsons Xtreme Golf), which supplies her clubs, and Titleist, likely for her golf ball.
She also has partnerships with Arcis Golf and serves as an ambassador for the Epson Tour. As her profile rises with major contentions, her endorsement portfolio is expected to grow significantly.
Career Stats
| Statistic | Value / Rank (2025) |
|---|---|
| Driving Distance | ~285 Yards (Top 3 on Tour) |
| Best Major Finish | T2 (KPMG Women’s PGA Championship) |
| Professional Wins | 1 (Epson Tour Championship) |
| Lowest Round | 61 |
FAQs
1. How far does Auston Kim drive the golf ball?
Auston Kim is one of the longest hitters on the LPGA Tour. She averaged between 282 and 291 yards off the tee, consistently ranking in the top 3 for driving distance alongside other power players.
2. Did Auston Kim go to college?
Yes, she attended Vanderbilt University. She was a standout student-athlete for the Commodores and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science before turning professional later that year.
3. Who is Auston Kim’s sister?
Her older sister is August Kim. August is also a professional golfer who has competed on the Epson Tour and LPGA Tour. Auston credits her sister and father for introducing her to the game and supporting her career.
4. What is Auston Kim’s best finish in a major championship?
Her best performance in a major came at the KPMG Women’s PGA Championship. She finished tied for 2nd place, marking a significant career breakthrough and proving she can contend for the biggest titles in golf.
5. What is Auston Kim’s nationality?
Auston Kim is American. She was born in St. Augustine, Florida, and represents the United States in professional competitions. She also embraces her Korean heritage, as noted by her Korean name, Kim Go-eun.
