Norman Xiong has emerged as one of golf’s most intriguing talents, blending raw power with a laid-back demeanor. From his early days as a junior phenom to his recent resurgence on the Korn Ferry Tour, Xiong’s journey reflects resilience and unorthodox brilliance.
Here’s an in-depth look at his career, personal life, and financial standing.
Norman Xiong’s Biography
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Norman Xiong |
| Nickname | “The Panda” |
| Born | November 9, 1998 (Age 26) |
| Birthplace | Tamuning, Guam |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | Hmong-Chinese |
| Height | 6’1” (1.85 m) |
| College | University of Oregon |
| Turned Pro | 2018 |
| Net Worth | ~$1.5 million |
| Relationship Status | Single |
| Children | None |
| @normanxiong (15.2k followers) |
Early Career
Norman Xiong’s journey into golf began almost as soon as he could walk, swinging plastic clubs on Guam’s sunbaked courses at age four.
After moving to San Diego at six, he joined the Pro Kids | First Tee program, where coaches immediately noted his rare hand-eye coordination. By 12, he was outdriving teenagers, and at 15, he became a junior golf sensation.
His 2016 season cemented his reputation: he dominated the Junior PGA Championship with a four-stroke victory and clinched the Thunderbird International Junior title, beating future PGA Tour rivals like Collin Morikawa.
At Temescal Canyon High School, Xiong rewrote record books, becoming the first freshman to win California’s CIF State Championship. College recruiters flocked to him, but he chose the University of Oregon for its player-development philosophy.
Enrolling early in 2017, he wasted no time—within months, he bagged the Phil Mickelson Award as the nation’s top freshman and spearheaded the Ducks to their first NCAA Championship appearance in five years. His sophomore year defied logic: six tournament wins, including a historic NCAA Pacific Regional victory where he shot a third-round 61.
Sweeping the Jack Nicklaus and Fred Haskins Awards in 2018, Xiong became the first golfer since Tiger Woods to win both honors unanimously. Coach Casey Martin famously said, “He’s got that rare blend—a sniper’s precision off the tee and a painter’s touch on the greens.” This meteoric rise set the stage for a pro career that would test his resolve like never before.
Professional Career
Norman Xiong’s transition to professional golf in 2018 was met with immediate turbulence. After earning his Korn Ferry Tour card through Q-School in late 2018, he missed 16 cuts in his rookie 2019 season, including a disastrous 81 in the first round of Q-School that cost him his status.
The pandemic hiatus in 2020 nearly derailed his career—he briefly considered becoming a chef—but a back-to-basics approach revived his game. His breakthrough came in 2022 at the Wichita Open, where he Monday-qualified and obliterated the field with a -26 score, winning by five strokes.
This victory reignited his trajectory, leading to a 2023 triumph at the Nationwide Children’s Hospital Championship, where a four-stroke victory secured his PGA Tour card for 2024. Xiong’s 2024 debut saw flashes of brilliance but inconsistency.
At the Farmers Insurance Open, he scrambled to a T40 finish, banking $41,385, but struggled with accuracy, hitting just 57% of fairways. His 2025 season has been a grind, with missed cuts at the American Express and Panama Championship, though a T53 at the Visa Argentina Open showcased improved scrambling (62.1% success rate).
Currently ranked #389 in the world, Xiong’s game revolves around raw power—averaging 310+ yards off the tee—and a revamped short game he describes as “trusting instinct over mechanics.” Despite fluctuating results, his unorthodox “less practice, more feel” philosophy keeps him a compelling wildcard on Tour.
Norman Xiong’s Net Worth Details
Norman Xiong’s net worth is estimated to be $1.5 million as of 2025.
Career Earnings
| Year | Earnings | Tournaments Played | Wins | Top 10 Finishes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2018–2019 | $48,326 | 3 | 0 | 0 |
| 2020–2021 | N/A (Pandemic gap) | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 2022 | $250,000+ | 15 | 1 | 3 |
| 2023 | $450,000+ | 18 | 1 | 5 |
| 2024 | $57,375 | 5 | 0 | 0 |
| 2025 | $15,960 | 4 | 0 | 0 |
| Total | ~$821,661+ | 45 | 2 | 8 |
Career Stats
| Category | Stat |
|---|---|
| Driving Distance | 310.4 yards (Average) |
| Fairways Hit | 71.3% |
| Greens in Regulation | 68.2% |
| Putting Average | 1.75 per hole |
| Scrambling Success Rate | 62.1% |
| Sand Save Percentage | 54% |
| World Ranking (OWGR) | #389 (as of March 2025) |
| Career Wins | 2 (Korn Ferry Tour) |
FAQs
1. What is Norman Xiong’s nickname and why?
Norman Xiong’s nickname is “The Panda,” inspired by his calm demeanor and laid-back personality. The moniker also symbolizes his Hmong-Chinese heritage and resonates with his approachable, low-key style both on and off the golf course.
2. Where was Norman Xiong born?
Xiong was born in Tamuning, Guam, on November 9, 1998. He moved to San Diego, California, at age six with his mother and uncle, who played a pivotal role in nurturing his early golf career.
3. What college did Norman Xiong attend?
He attended the University of Oregon, enrolling early in 2017. As a sophomore, he won the Jack Nicklaus and Fred Haskins Awards, becoming the first unanimous winner of both honors since Tiger Woods.
4. When did Norman Xiong turn professional?
Xiong turned pro in May 2018 at age 19. Despite early struggles on the Korn Ferry Tour, he earned his PGA Tour card in 2023 after winning the Nationwide Children’s Hospital Championship.
5. What are Norman Xiong’s career earnings?
As of 2025, Xiong’s total career earnings exceed $800,000, including $41,385 from the 2025 Farmers Insurance Open. His Korn Ferry Tour victories in 2022 and 2023 contributed significantly to this figure.
6. What is Norman Xiong’s net worth?
His estimated net worth is $1.5 million, combining tournament winnings, endorsements (Nike, Titleist, Rolex), and investments in real estate and junior golf programs.
7. What is Norman Xiong’s unique playing style?
Xiong relies on a “feel-based” approach, prioritizing instinct over mechanical adjustments. He often skips pre-round range sessions to maintain spontaneity, a strategy that fueled his 2022 Wichita Open win.
8. How many Korn Ferry Tour wins does Norman Xiong have?
He has two Korn Ferry Tour victories: the 2022 Wichita Open (-26, 5-stroke win) and the 2023 Nationwide Children’s Hospital Championship (-10, 4-stroke victory), which secured his PGA Tour card.
9. What is Norman Xiong’s driving distance?
Xiong averages 310.4 yards off the tee, ranking him among the longest hitters in professional golf. His driving accuracy (71.3% fairways hit) complements this power.
10. What challenges has Norman Xiong faced in his career?
After a stellar amateur career, Xiong struggled as a Korn Ferry Tour rookie in 2019, missing 16 cuts. He nearly quit golf during the pandemic but rebounded by reconnecting with his natural “feel player” instincts, leading to his 2022–2023 resurgence.
