Kim Kaufman is widely recognized not just for her towering 6-foot presence on the fairway, but for her incredible resilience.
From a small-town South Dakota girl to a Texas Tech standout and LPGA veteran, she has navigated the highs of professional golf and the lows of health battles with grace.
In late 2025, her story took an inspiring turn as she returned to high-stakes competition after a courageous fight with breast cancer.
In this article, you will know Kim Kaufman’s Net worth, career earnings, career overview, stats, relationship, and more.
Kim Kaufman’s Biography
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Kim Kaufman |
| Date of Birth | August 16, 1991 |
| Age | 34 |
| Education | Texas Tech University |
| Nationality | American |
| Height | 6 ft 0 in (1.83 m) |
| Turned Pro | 2013 |
| Net Worth | Estimated $800,000 |
| Career Earnings | Over $1.5 Million (LPGA & Epson Tour) |
| Husband | Johan Wolkesson |
| Instagram Profile | @kimkaufmangolf |
| Twitter Profile | @KimKaufmanGolf |
Early Career
Kim Kaufman’s journey began in Clark, South Dakota, a town with a population of barely 1,000 people. Despite the short golf seasons of the north, she became a dominant junior player, winning four state high school championships.
Her talent took her south to Texas Tech University, where she became one of the most decorated players in the program’s history.
At Texas Tech, Kaufman was an honorable mention All-American and set school records for scoring average. She graduated in 2013 with a degree in Political Science, originally planning to attend law school if professional golf didn’t pan out.
Fortunately, her game was more than ready for the next level. She turned professional immediately after college and wasted no time making her mark, winning on the developmental tour almost instantly.
Professional Career
Kaufman’s transition to the pros was seamless. In her rookie year on the Symetra Tour (now Epson Tour) in 2013, she won the Island Resort Championship, which helped her secure LPGA Tour membership for the 2014 season.
Her early years on the LPGA Tour were impressive; she recorded two top-5 finishes in her rookie season and finished runner-up at the 2015 Blue Bay LPGA, her best career finish to date. By 2016, she had already crossed the $1 million mark in career earnings.
Her career has been defined by perseverance. After losing her full LPGA card in 2019, she returned to the Epson Tour and won the 2020 Four Winds Invitational, proving she still had a winning touch. However, her biggest challenge came off the course.
In late 2023, Kaufman was diagnosed with Stage 2b breast cancer. She spent the first half of 2025 undergoing chemotherapy and radiation.
In an inspiring comeback, she returned to competitive golf in late 2025, advancing to the Final Stage of LPGA Q-School in December, proving her career is far from over.
Caddie
For much of her recent career, and specifically during her emotional 2025 comeback, Kim Kaufman’s caddie has been her husband, Johan Wolkesson. Johan is a Swedish teaching professional who understands her game intimately.
While she has used professional loopers in the past—such as Worth Blackwelder (father of fellow pro Mallory Blackwelder) during her rookie years—having Johan on the bag has provided stability.
During the rainy and high-pressure week at the 2025 LPGA Q-School in Mobile, Alabama, Johan was right beside her, navigating the course and the emotional weight of her return to competition.
Husband
Kim Kaufman is married to Johan Wolkesson, a former professional golfer from Sweden. The couple shares a deep bond over the game of golf and currently resides in Fort Worth, Texas. They often host Johan’s Swedish family in the States, sharing American culture with them.
Johan has been a pillar of support for Kim, especially during her recent health crisis. When she was diagnosed with cancer, he was her primary caregiver and support system through months of grueling treatment.
Outside of golf, the couple enjoys a quiet life, and Kim has even co-authored a book of golf fiction, showcasing her talents beyond the fairways. They do not have any children as of late 2025.
Kim Kaufman’s Net Worth Details
As of 2025, Kim Kaufman has an estimated net worth of approximately $800,000. While medical expenses and time away from the tour in 2024 and 2025 impacted her recent earning potential, her decade-long career on the LPGA and Epson Tours has built a solid financial foundation.
Career Earnings
| Year | Tour | Earnings (Approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| 2014 | LPGA Tour | $225,000+ |
| 2015 | LPGA Tour | $360,000+ |
| 2016 | LPGA Tour | $366,000+ |
| 2017 | LPGA Tour | $190,000+ |
| 2020 | Epson Tour | $40,000+ |
| 2021-2023 | Epson/LPGA | ~$150,000 (Combined) |
| 2024-2025 | Various | Minimal (Due to Medical Leave) |
| Total | Career | $1.5 Million+ |
Career Stats
| Category | Statistic |
|---|---|
| Professional Wins | 3 (Epson Tour) |
| Best LPGA Finish | 2nd (2015 Blue Bay LPGA) |
| Low Round | 65 |
| Epson Tour Wins | Island Resort Championship (2013), Volvik Championship (2014), Four Winds Invitational (2020) |
| College Honors | All-American Honorable Mention (Texas Tech) |
FAQs
1. How tall is Kim Kaufman?
Kim Kaufman is 6 feet 0 inches tall. Her height gives her a natural advantage with a powerful swing arc, making her one of the taller players on the women’s professional circuits.
2. Is Kim Kaufman cancer-free?
Kim Kaufman is considered cancer-free. She completed chemotherapy in April 2025 and radiation in June 2025 after a diagnosis of Stage 2b breast cancer.
3. Who is Kim Kaufman’s husband?
She is married to Johan Wolkesson, a Swedish golf teaching professional. He has also served as her caddie during significant tournaments, including her 2025 comeback.
4. Where did Kim Kaufman go to college?
Kim attended Texas Tech University, where she played from 2009 to 2013. She graduated with a degree in Political Science and remains one of the most successful golfers in the school’s history.
5. What happened to Kim Kaufman?
Kim Kaufman made an inspiring return to professional golf after battling breast cancer. She missed most of the regular season for treatment but successfully advanced to the Final Stage of LPGA Qualifying School in December.
