Doug Ghim is an American professional golfer who grew up in Arlington Heights, Illinois and graduated from Buffalo Grove High School. He attended the University of Texas. Ghim turned professional in 2018 and currently competes on the PGA Tour.
You can follow Doug Ghim’s net worth, prize money, career details, earnings, endorsements, personal details, girlfriend, career stats, and more here.
Doug Ghim’s Biography
| Detail | Information |
| Full Name | Douglas Ghim |
| Nickname | Doug |
| Birth Date | April 16, 1996 |
| Height | 6 feet (1.83 meters) |
| Weight | 175 lbs (79 kg) |
| Birthplace | Des Plaines, Illinois, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Current Net Worth | $2 million |
| College | University of Texas |
| Turned Professional | 2018 |
| Relationship Status | In a relationship |
| Girlfriend | Kelly Xac |
| Instagram Profile | @dougghim |
Early Career
Doug Ghim, born on April 16, 1996, in Des Plaines, Illinois, grew up in Arlington Heights and graduated from Buffalo Grove High School. His passion for golf began at a young age, heavily influenced by his father, Jeff Ghim, who served as his swing coach during his junior years.
Jeff even built a hitting bay in their backyard to support Doug’s development since the family couldn’t afford a club membership. This hands-on guidance laid the foundation for Ghim’s self-taught swing, which later became a hallmark of his game.
Ghim’s junior golf career was highly decorated. He won multiple titles, including the 2010 Junior All-Star at The Rail and the 2011 Illinois State Junior Amateur. By the time he graduated high school, he was ranked among the top junior players in the country. He went on to play collegiate golf at the University of Texas, where he excelled under head coach John Fields.
During his four years with the Texas Longhorns, Ghim earned three All-American honors and helped the team secure an NCAA runner-up finish in 2016. He also claimed several individual titles, including the 2014 CB&I Championship and the 2018 Big 12 Championship.
As an amateur, Ghim achieved significant milestones on the national and international stage. He was runner-up at the 2017 U.S. Amateur, which earned him invitations to the 2018 Masters Tournament and U.S. Open.
At the Masters, he made history as the only amateur to make the cut, finishing tied for 50th and earning low amateur honors. Ghim also won prestigious tournaments like the 2017 Pacific Coast Amateur and received accolades such as the 2018 Ben Hogan Award for being the best male college golfer.
By May 2018, Ghim reached the top spot in the World Amateur Golf Ranking before turning professional later that year. His early career reflects not only his immense talent but also his dedication to overcoming challenges through hard work and family support.
Professional Career
Doug Ghim turned professional in 2018 following a stellar amateur career, and his transition to the professional circuit has been marked by steady progress. He began his pro journey with appearances on the Korn Ferry Tour, where he earned his PGA Tour card after strong performances, including at the Korn Ferry Tour Championship.
This achievement was a pivotal moment in his career, solidifying his place among golf’s elite and allowing him to compete at the highest level.
Since joining the PGA Tour in 2020, Ghim has showcased his talent with consistent performances, though he is still chasing his first professional win. His best finishes include a T14 at The American Express in January 2025 and several other top-25 placements over the years.
These results have contributed to career earnings exceeding $7.3 million as of early 2025. Known for his precision and strong short game, Ghim has also gained recognition for his ability to perform under pressure, a skill honed during his amateur days.
Off the course, Ghim resides in Las Vegas and maintains close ties with fellow golfers and University of Texas alumni. He remains a rising star on the PGA Tour, with aspirations of securing his first title and climbing higher in the world rankings.
Doug Ghim’s Net Worth Details
Doug Ghim’s net worth is estimated to be $2 million as of 2025. His impressive earnings on the PGA Tour, coupled with lucrative endorsement deals, have contributed significantly to his growing wealth.
Career Earnings
| Year | Earnings (USD) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 2017-18 | $116,527 | Rookie year, 7 tournaments played |
| 2018-19 | $243,356 | Improved consistency |
| 2019-20 | $187,442 | Limited success |
| 2020-21 | $1,283,807 | Best season to date |
| 2021-22 | $1,244,976 | Continued strong performance |
| 2022-23 | $1,437,263 | Most lucrative season |
| 2023-24 | $1,156,964 | Solid earnings |
| Total | $5,670,335 | Career total earnings |
Endorsements
Doug Ghim has secured several high-profile endorsement deals that have significantly contributed to his financial success and visibility in the golf world. He is sponsored by Nike, a global leader in sportswear, which provides him with apparel and footwear.
Additionally, he has a partnership with TaylorMade, supplying him with advanced golf equipment, including his driver. Ghim also relies on Titleist for his irons and wedges and uses a Scotty Cameron putter, a premium brand under the Titleist umbrella known for its precision engineering.
Beyond equipment, Ghim is endorsed by MGM Resorts, a prominent name in hospitality and entertainment, further diversifying his sponsorship portfolio. These endorsements not only enhance his financial standing but also align him with some of the most respected brands in sports and lifestyle industries, reflecting his rising profile as a professional golfer.
Girlfriend
Doug Ghim is in a relationship with Kelly Xac. Kelly, who prefers to maintain a private life, has a successful career in finance as a tax senior at Deloitte, where she has worked since 2020. She also has a connection to golf, having been an active member of the Texas Women’s Golf team during her time at the McCombs School of Business at the University of Texas.
Despite their different professional paths, Doug and Kelly share a strong bond, with Ghim occasionally sharing glimpses of their relationship on his public Instagram account.
Career Stats
| Category | Stat/Rank | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Strokes Gained: Approach | 8th on PGA Tour | Averaged 0.659 strokes gained per round in 2024. |
| Strokes Gained: Putting | 135th on PGA Tour | Averaged -0.191 strokes lost per round in 2024. |
| Driving Distance | 129th on PGA Tour | Averaged 297.2 yards per drive in 2024. |
| Driving Accuracy | 26th on PGA Tour | Hit 68% of fairways in regulation in 2024. |
| Greens in Regulation (GIR) | 4th on PGA Tour | Hit 72.65% of greens in regulation in 2024. |
| Putts Per Round | 160th on PGA Tour | Averaged 29.58 putts per round in 2024. |
| Par Breakers (Birdies/Eagles) | 76th on PGA Tour | Broke par on 24.91% of holes in 2024. |
| Bogey Avoidance | 6th on PGA Tour | Avoided bogeys on 11.84% of holes in 2024. |
| FedExCup Rank (2024) | 92nd | Earned one top-5 and two top-10 finishes in the season. |
| Tournament Wins | None | Best finish: Runner-up at the Shriners Children’s Open (2024). |
| Cuts Made (2024) | 20 out of 29 tournaments | Demonstrates consistent performance throughout the season. |
Achievements
- 2018 Masters Tournament: Low Amateur (T50)
- 2018 Ben Hogan Award (Best Male College Golfer)
- 2017 Walker Cup (Winner)
- 2017 Pacific Coast Amateur Champion
- 2014 CB&I Championship at Carlton Woods (Winner)
FAQs
1. Who is Doug Ghim?
Doug Ghim is an American professional golfer born on April 16, 1996, in Des Plaines, Illinois. He grew up in Arlington Heights and graduated from Buffalo Grove High School. He turned professional in 2018 after a successful amateur career and currently competes on the PGA Tour.
2. What were Doug Ghim’s notable achievements as an amateur golfer?
Doug Ghim had a decorated amateur career, including being the runner-up at the 2017 U.S. Amateur, winning the 2017 Pacific Coast Amateur, and earning low amateur honors at the 2018 Masters Tournament. He also won the Ben Hogan Award in 2018 as the best male college golfer.
3. Where did Doug Ghim attend college, and what did he study?
Doug Ghim attended the University of Texas, where he played collegiate golf and graduated with a degree in government. During his time there, he was a three-time All-American and contributed to his team’s NCAA runner-up finish in 2016.
4. What is Doug Ghim’s playing style or strengths on the PGA Tour?
Doug Ghim is known for his strong ball-striking ability, ranking highly in Strokes Gained: Approach and Greens in Regulation percentages. However, his putting has been an area for improvement, as he ranked lower in Strokes Gained: Putting on the PGA Tour.
5. What are Doug Ghim’s best finishes on the PGA Tour?
Doug Ghim’s best finish on the PGA Tour came at the Shriners Children’s Open in October 2024, where he finished second by shooting 21-under par. He also achieved a T6 finish at The Players Championship in 2022.
6. How did Doug Ghim earn his PGA Tour card?
Doug Ghim earned his PGA Tour card through the Korn Ferry Tour Finals in 2019. He secured it dramatically by sinking a crucial putt on the final hole of the Korn Ferry Tour Championship.
7. Who has been influential in Doug Ghim’s golfing career?
Doug Ghim’s father, Jeff, played a significant role in his development as a golfer. Jeff introduced him to golf at age six and coached him during his junior golf years. His father also caddied for him during key amateur events like the 2018 Masters.
8. Does Doug Ghim have any sponsorships or endorsements?
Doug Ghim is sponsored by Nike and MGM Resorts and is a brand ambassador for Titleist. He uses Titleist equipment, including drivers, irons, wedges, and a Scotty Cameron putter.
9. What challenges has Doug Ghim faced during his professional career?
Doug Ghim struggled during his rookie year on the PGA Tour, making only five cuts in 16 events and finishing outside the top 150 in FedEx Cup standings. Despite these challenges, he has steadily improved and maintained his status through adjusted eligibility policies during the COVID-19 pandemic.
10. Who is Doug Ghim dating?
Doug Ghim is dating Kelly Xac, who works as a tax senior at Deloitte. She has a background in golf from her time at Texas McCombs School of Business but prefers to keep her personal life private despite her connection to a public figure like Doug.
