Kim Kaufman 2025: Net Worth, Career Earnings, Caddie

Kim Kaufman has become one of golf’s most inspiring stories of resilience and determination, transforming from a South Dakota farm girl into a professional golfer who competes at the highest levels of women’s golf.

The 33-year-old American professional faces her biggest challenge yet as she battles Stage 2b breast cancer while maintaining her fighting spirit that has defined her journey from Texas Tech standout to LPGA Tour competitor.

In this article, you will know Kim Kaufman’s net worth, career earnings, career overview, stats, relationship status, and more details about her remarkable golf journey and current battle with breast cancer.

Kim Kaufman’s Biography

Early Career

Kim Kaufman’s golf journey began at age four in the small town of Clark, South Dakota, where she grew up as the daughter of Terry and Teresa Kaufman. Her early years unfolded on South Dakota golf courses, where she quickly established herself as a dominant force in junior golf.

She became a six-time South Dakota Golf Association Junior Champion, demonstrating remarkable consistency and skill that would carry her through to collegiate success.

During her high school years at Clark High School, Kaufman dominated state competition virtually without challenge. She captured four consecutive South Dakota state championships and earned all-state honors all four years of her prep career.

Her exceptional amateur record included qualifying three times for the USGA Girls’ Junior Championships, where she advanced to the quarterfinals in 2009, showcasing her ability to compete against the nation’s best young players.

Kaufman’s amateur achievements extended beyond state competition as she qualified for three USGA Women’s Amateur Championships and two USGA Public Links Championships. Her career-low amateur round of 66 demonstrated the scoring ability that would eventually translate to professional success.

These accomplishments caught the attention of major college golf programs, ultimately leading to her scholarship opportunity at Texas Tech University.

The transition from small-town South Dakota to major college golf represented a significant step in Kaufman’s development. Her consistent performance in high-pressure amateur events, combined with her work ethic and competitive drive, positioned her perfectly for the challenges of Division I collegiate golf.

The foundation built during these formative years would prove essential as she pursued her dreams of professional golf.

Professional Career

Kaufman’s collegiate career at Texas Tech University from 2009 to 2013 established her as one of the program’s most accomplished players in history.

During her senior year in fall 2012, she achieved the remarkable feat of ranking as the number one golfer in the country according to Golfweek, marking the highest individual ranking for any Texas Tech golfer in school history.

She also earned the title of Golfweek Player of the Fall, cementing her status among collegiate golf’s elite.

Her breakthrough collegiate moment came at the Landfall Tradition in October 2012, where she captured her first career victory. The tournament shortened due to thunderstorms from Hurricane Sandy, but Kaufman’s opening round of 5-under 67 proved sufficient to claim the title.

This victory propelled her to second in the individual rankings and eventually to the top spot, demonstrating her ability to perform under pressure when championships hung in the balance.

Kaufman turned professional in 2013 and immediately joined the Symetra Tour, where she made an impressive debut by making cuts in all 10 starts during her first season. Her first professional victory came at the Island Resort Championship, where she defeated Mitsuki Katahira of Japan in a playoff.

This early success on the developmental tour provided the confidence and momentum needed to pursue her LPGA Tour dreams.

Her LPGA Tour debut came in 2014 after finishing tied for 23rd at the LPGA Final Qualifying Tournament. Her rookie season showed immediate promise with a tie for fourth at the North Texas LPGA Shootout and a tie for fifth at the Canadian Pacific Women’s Open.

She finished 58th on the money list, establishing herself as a competitive presence on tour. The 2015 season brought her career-best result with a runner-up finish at the Blue Bay LPGA, demonstrating her ability to contend in LPGA Tour events.

Caddie

Kim Kaufman’s husband Johan Wolkesson has served as her caddie during various tournaments throughout her career, including at the 2020 U.S. Women’s Open.

Wolkesson, who originates from Sweden and competes as a professional golfer himself, brings unique insight to the caddie role given his own playing experience and understanding of competitive golf at the professional level.

The husband-and-wife caddie team creates a unique dynamic on the golf course, combining personal support with professional expertise. Wolkesson’s background as a professional golfer allows him to provide strategic advice and course management guidance that goes beyond traditional caddie duties.

His understanding of the mental and physical demands of professional golf helps him support Kaufman through the various challenges that arise during competitive rounds.

Having a spouse serve as caddie presents both advantages and challenges in professional golf. The intimate knowledge of each other’s personalities and tendencies can lead to better communication and decision-making under pressure.

However, it also requires careful management of the personal and professional relationship dynamics, particularly during difficult rounds or disappointing results.

During Kaufman’s recent health challenges, Wolkesson’s role has expanded beyond just caddying to providing emotional support and encouragement throughout her cancer treatment.

His presence on her bag represents not just professional partnership but also the personal commitment they share as they navigate both golf and life challenges together. Kaufman has praised his ability to remind her that life remains good regardless of golf outcomes, providing crucial perspective during competitive rounds.

Kim Kaufman’s Net Worth Details

Kim Kaufman’s estimated net worth stands at approximately $800,000 as of 2025.

Career Earnings

Endorsements

Kim Kaufman’s endorsement portfolio includes a notable partnership with Choice Bank, where she serves as a brand ambassador alongside Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Adam Thielen.

This relationship began in 2023 and reflects Choice Bank’s commitment to supporting athletes who align with their “People First” approach and community values. Kaufman wears the Choice Bank logo on her golf hat during tournament play and participates in corporate events and social media campaigns.

Her endorsement philosophy focuses on authentic partnerships with companies that share her values and commitment to community service. Kaufman has expressed appreciation for Choice Bank’s genuine commitment to giving back to their communities, stating that they don’t just talk about their values but actually live them.

This type of meaningful partnership reflects her approach to business relationships throughout her career.

While Kaufman hasn’t secured the multi-million dollar endorsement deals that golf’s biggest stars command, her authentic personality and community involvement make her an attractive partner for companies seeking genuine brand ambassadors.

Her recent cancer diagnosis has also opened opportunities for partnerships with healthcare organizations and cancer awareness campaigns, allowing her to use her platform for meaningful causes beyond golf.

Career Stats