Michael Kim is a professional golfer who has made a name for himself on the PGA Tour. Known for his resilience and determination, Kim has experienced both highs and lows throughout his career.
This article delves into his personal life, early and professional career, relationship status, net worth, endorsements, and career records.
Michael Kim‘s Biography
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Michael Sangwon Kim |
| Nickname | Michael Kim |
| Date of Birth | July 14, 1993 |
| Age | 31 years old |
| Place of Birth | Seoul, South Korea |
| Nationality | American |
| Height | 5 ft 11 in (1.80 m) |
| College | University of California, Berkeley |
| Turned Professional | December 2013 |
| Net Worth | Estimated at $8 million |
| Salary | Approximately $1.5 million |
| Spouse | N/A |
| Relationship Status | Single |
| Instagram Profile | @michaelki |
Early Career
Michael Kim’s early career was marked by exceptional achievements in amateur golf. While attending the University of California, Berkeley, he became one of the most decorated collegiate golfers in history.
In 2013, he won the prestigious Jack Nicklaus Award and Haskins Award as the top collegiate golfer in the United States. That same year, he also earned Pac-12 Men’s Golfer of the Year honors.
Kim’s amateur success extended to international competitions as well. He represented the United States in the Palmer Cup and Walker Cup in 2013, contributing to victories in both events.
His standout performance at the 2013 U.S. Open as a low amateur (tied for 17th place) further cemented his reputation as a rising star.
After completing his collegiate career with a record-breaking stroke average and multiple individual titles, Kim decided to turn professional in December 2013. His early years laid a strong foundation for his professional journey.
Professional Career
Michael Kim’s professional career began with challenges but also significant milestones. He earned limited status on the Web.com Tour (now Korn Ferry Tour) in 2014 and gradually worked his way up.
In 2015, he finished 13th on the Web.com Tour money list, securing his PGA Tour card for the 2016 season.
Kim’s breakthrough came in 2018 when he won his first PGA Tour event at the John Deere Classic with a record-setting score of 27-under-par. This victory not only earned him $1 million but also an invitation to The Open Championship that year.
However, following his success in 2018, Kim faced struggles on the PGA Tour. Between 2019 and 2021, he missed numerous cuts and lost his full PGA Tour card due to inconsistent performances.
Determined to bounce back, Kim returned to the Korn Ferry Tour in 2021-22 and regained his PGA Tour card for the 2022-23 season.
In recent years, Kim has shown signs of resurgence. In 2024 alone, he earned $1.48 million despite facing stiff competition on tour. His ability to adapt and overcome challenges underscores his resilience as a professional golfer.
Michael Kim’s Net Worth Details
Michael Kim’s net worth is estimated to be $8 million as of 2025.
Career Earnings
| Year | Official Earnings | Unofficial Earnings | Tour Bonuses | Total Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 | $664,539 | – | – | $664,539 |
| 2017 | $1,018,204 | – | – | $1,018,204 |
| 2018 | $1,325,986 | – | – | $1,325,986 |
| 2019 | $104,936 | – | – | $104,936 |
| 2020 | $17,258 | – | – | $17,258 |
| 2021 | $132,613 | – | – | $132,613 |
| 2023 | $2,206,882 | – | – | $2,206,882 |
| 2024 | $1,413,233 | – | – | $1,413,233 |
| 2025 | $27,236 | – | – | $27,236 |
- Career Totals: $6,910,886
Endorsements
Michael Kim has secured several notable endorsement deals that highlight his growing presence on the PGA Tour. He is the official PGA Tour Brand Ambassador for Binary Defense, a leading cybersecurity company, for the 2024-2025 seasons.
As part of this partnership, Kim promotes cybersecurity awareness, with the Binary Defense logo prominently displayed on his hat during tournaments.
Additionally, Kim is a Titleist Golf Ambassador, using their golf balls and equipment, including the Pro V1x golf ball, to enhance his performance on the course.
Kim also collaborates with AvidXchange, a financial technology company, as part of their sponsorship program.
Career Stats
| Category | Stat |
|---|---|
| Turned Professional | 2013 |
| Age | 31 |
| World Golf Ranking (OWGR) | 162 |
| PGA Tour Wins | 1 (2018 John Deere Classic) |
| Major Championship Finishes | Best: T17 (2013 U.S. Open) |
| PGA Tour Career Earnings | $7,766,914 |
| Scoring Average | 70.8 |
| Driving Distance | 307.6 yards |
| Top-10 Finishes | 10 |
| Cuts Made | 80 |
| FedEx Cup Rank | T145 |
| Birdies Per Round | 3.38 |
| Eagles Per Hole | 72.0 |
Notable Opponents
Kim has competed against some of the best golfers in the world during his career:
| Opponent | Event | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| Justin Thomas | Walker Cup (2013) | Victory |
| Matt Fitzpatrick | Walker Cup (2013) | Victory |
FAQs
1. Who is Michael Kim?
Michael Kim is an American professional golfer born on July 14, 1993, in Seoul, South Korea. Raised in San Diego, California, he attended UC Berkeley and turned professional in 2013. He is best known for winning the 2018 John Deere Classic on the PGA Tour with a record-breaking performance.
2. What are Michael Kim’s career highlights?
Michael Kim’s career highlights include winning the 2018 John Deere Classic by eight strokes with a score of 27-under-par, setting a tournament record. As an amateur, he was awarded the Jack Nicklaus Award and Haskins Award in 2013 and represented the U.S. in both the Palmer Cup and Walker Cup.
3. What is Michael Kim’s net worth?
Michael Kim’s estimated net worth is $8 million. His income comes from tournament winnings, endorsements, and sponsorships throughout his professional golf career, including his significant earnings from the John Deere Classic victory.
4. How did Michael Kim perform during his college career?
Michael Kim had an exceptional collegiate career at UC Berkeley, earning multiple awards such as the Jack Nicklaus Award and Haskins Award in 2013. He helped his team achieve a historic season with 12 wins out of 14 tournaments and set individual scoring records during his time there.
5. What challenges has Michael Kim faced in his professional career?
After his breakthrough win at the 2018 John Deere Classic, Michael Kim struggled with consistency, missing 19 cuts in 20 events during the 2019 season. He lost his PGA Tour card but regained it through strong performances on the Korn Ferry Tour for the 2022-23 season.
6. What are Michael Kim’s career earnings?
Michael Kim has earned over $7 million during his professional golf career. His largest single-event earnings came from his $1 million prize for winning the John Deere Classic in 2018. In recent years, he has consistently earned through PGA Tour events despite occasional struggles.
7. What are Michael Kim’s results in major championships?
Michael Kim’s best major championship result was at the 2013 U.S. Open, where he tied for 17th as a low amateur. He has since competed in other majors like The Open Championship and PGA Championship but has struggled to make cuts consistently.
8. Does Michael Kim have any endorsements?
Yes, Michael Kim has endorsements with Binary Defense and AvidXchange as of 2024-2025. Binary Defense is a cybersecurity company whose logo appears on his hat during PGA TOUR events, while AvidXchange is a financial technology company that sponsors him as part of their athlete partnership program.
9. What is Michael Kim’s playing style?
Michael Kim is known for his consistent ball-striking ability and accuracy off the tee. His putting has also been a strength in key tournaments, such as his standout performance at events like the Shriners Children’s Open in late 2024, where he ranked among the top players in Strokes Gained: Putting.
10.What are Michael Kim’s recent performances on the PGA Tour?
Michael Kim had a mixed performance on the PGA Tour in 2024. He played in 30 tournaments, earning $1,484,233 in official prize money. Despite missing 13 cuts, he achieved two top-10 finishes, including a T6 at The American Express and a T5 at the Shriners Children’s Open. His consistency improved during the FedEx Cup fall season, where he secured notable finishes like T30 at the World Wide Technology Championship.
