Michael Kim

Michael Kim is a Korean-American golfer ranked 41st in the world, best known for his dominant eight-stroke victory at the 2018 John Deere Classic. That win remains one of the largest margins of victory on the PGA Tour in recent years, a performance that showcased the ceiling of his talent when everything clicks.

Kim attended the University of California, Berkeley, where he was a standout collegiate player and earned All-American honors. His amateur career was accomplished, and his transition to professional golf initially matched those expectations with the John Deere Classic breakthrough. However, the seasons that followed were more difficult. He struggled to maintain his form on the PGA Tour and lost his card, spending time on the Korn Ferry Tour rebuilding his game and his confidence. That period tested his commitment to professional golf, but Kim put in the work to earn his way back to the PGA Tour, a journey that gave him a deeper appreciation for what it takes to compete at the highest level week after week.

Kim's game is methodical. He is not among the longest hitters on tour, but he compensates with accuracy off the tee, disciplined course management, and a putting stroke that performs well on a variety of green surfaces. His approach to the game reflects his academic background: analytical, patient, and process-driven. The Korn Ferry Tour experience sharpened his mental game in particular, teaching him to grind through difficult stretches without losing belief in his ability. His return to the PGA Tour has shown a more complete player, one who understands the difference between talent and sustained competitiveness.

In 2026, Kim will face the four major championship venues with the perspective of a player who has earned his place the hard way. Augusta National will test his ability to score on a course that rewards local knowledge and creative short game play. Aronimink suits his accurate iron approach on a layout that penalizes wayward shots. Shinnecock Hills demands the patience and course management that define his game. Royal Birkdale will be a links test where discipline and composure matter as much as physical talent. He will compete at all four: The Masters, PGA Championship, U.S. Open, and The Open Championship. Fans can follow tee times in United States time.