Kurt Kitayama has quietly become one of the most consistent and formidable competitors on the PGA Tour.
Known for his resilience and well-traveled path through international circuits, Kitayama’s breakthrough victory at the Arnold Palmer Invitational in 2023 cemented his status among the world’s elite golfers.
In 2025, he added another prestigious title to his resume, winning the 3M Open and boosting his financial standing significantly.
In this article, you will know Kurt Kitayama’s net worth, career earnings, career overview, stats, relationship details, and more.
Kurt Kitayama’s Biography
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Kurt Shun Kitayama |
| Date of Birth | January 14, 1993 |
| Age | 32 |
| Education | University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) |
| Nationality | American |
| Height | 5 ft 7 in (1.70 m) |
| Weight | 170 lbs (77 kg) |
| Turned Pro | 2015 |
| Net Worth | Estimated $5 Million – $6 Million |
| Career Earnings | Over $15 Million |
| Wife/Girlfriend | Private (Not publicly disclosed) |
| Instagram Profile | @kurt_kitayama |
| Twitter Profile | @Kurt_Kitayama |
Early Career
Born and raised in Chico, California, Kurt Kitayama’s path to professional golf was anything but direct. He grew up in a supportive family with his parents, Cliff and Rumiko Kitayama, and his brother Daniel.
His mother, Rumiko, initially had reservations about golf as a career, asking Daniel why he didn’t finish college instead of caddying, but she eventually embraced the game that united her family.
Kitayama attended the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV), where he honed his skills as a collegiate golfer. He was a solid contributor to the Rebels’ golf team, earning Academic All-Mountain West honors and the Michael Maze Award, which recognizes the player who best exemplifies the spirit of Rebel golf.
After graduating in 2015, he turned professional, embarking on a globetrotting journey that would take him through the Asian Development Tour, PGA Tour China, Sunshine Tour, and the European Tour before finally reaching the PGA Tour.
Professional Career
Kitayama’s professional career is a testament to perseverance. He earned his DP World Tour (European Tour) card in 2019 after grinding through all three stages of Qualifying School.
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He quickly made his mark by winning two European Tour events: the AfrAsia Bank Mauritius Open in 2018 and the Oman Open in 2019. These victories proved he could close out tournaments under pressure.
His transition to the PGA Tour was seamless. In March 2023, he achieved a career-defining moment by winning the Arnold Palmer Invitational at Bay Hill, a designated event with a stacked field, earning a massive $3.6 million payday.
He continued his winning ways in July 2025, capturing his second PGA Tour title at the 3M Open at TPC Twin Cities. This victory was particularly special as he shot a career-best 60 in the third round and had his brother Daniel on the bag for the win.
Caddie
For his breakthrough win at the Arnold Palmer Invitational in 2023, he was looped by Tim Tucker, the former caddie for Bryson DeChambeau. The two connected through Kurt’s brother, Daniel, who worked as a caddie at Bandon Dunes where Tucker had a business venture.
However, in July 2025, Kitayama made a change. After parting ways with Tucker, who returned to caddie for DeChambeau on the LIV Tour, Kurt turned to his brother, Daniel Kitayama. Daniel stepped in for the 3M Open and helped guide his brother to victory.
The partnership was described by Kurt as providing a “quiet sense of calm amid the tension of Sunday,” highlighting the strong trust between the siblings.
Kurt Kitayama’s Net Worth Details
As of 2026, Kurt Kitayama has an estimated net worth of $5 million to $6 million. This significant rise in wealth is largely attributed to his victories in high-purse events like the Arnold Palmer Invitational and the 3M Open, as well as his consistent play on the PGA Tour.
Career Earnings
| Year | Earnings (Approx.) | Key Achievements |
|---|---|---|
| 2016-2021 | ~$2.4 Million | International Tours & Early PGA Starts |
| 2022 | $2,522,567 | Established PGA Tour Status |
| 2023 | $6,840,062 | Won Arnold Palmer Invitational ($3.6M) |
| 2024 | ~$2.2 Million | Consistent Top Finishes |
| 2025 | $3,476,376 | Won 3M Open |
| Total | ~$15.5 Million | Career Total |
Career Stats
| Statistic | Record |
|---|---|
| PGA Tour Wins | 2 (Arnold Palmer Invitational 2023, 3M Open 2025) |
| European Tour Wins | 2 (AfrAsia Bank Mauritius Open, Oman Open) |
| Best World Ranking | Top 20 (2023) |
| Career Low Round | 60 (3M Open 2025) |
| Total Career Earnings | Over $15.5 Million |
FAQs
1. Who is Kurt Kitayama’s caddie?
Kurt’s caddie was his brother, Daniel Kitayama. Previously, he had a successful partnership with Tim Tucker, who famously caddied for Bryson DeChambeau.
2. What is Kurt Kitayama’s ethnicity?
Kurt Kitayama is American with Japanese heritage. His mother, Rumiko, was born in Japan, and his father, Cliff, is of Japanese descent.
3. Has Kurt Kitayama won on the PGA Tour?
Yes, Kurt Kitayama has two PGA Tour victories. He won the Arnold Palmer Invitational in March 2023 and the 3M Open.
4. What is Kurt Kitayama’s net worth?
Kurt Kitayama’s net worth is estimated to be between $5 million and $6 million in 2025, driven by over $15 million in career prize money.
5. Where did Kurt Kitayama go to college?
He attended the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV), where he played collegiate golf for the Rebels from 2011 to 2015.
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