The Byron Nelson kicks off on Thursday, May 1, and one player is creating headlines following his stunning performance in 2024.
The Byron Nelson has a stacked field this year, with players such as Scottie Scheffler and Jordan Spieth both vying to lay claim to the trophy.
The tournament holds a special place in Spieth’s heart, with the 2009 Byron Nelson marking his first ever PGA Tour start.
Spieth was just 16 years old when he made his debut in Texas. The rest is history. Spieth is now a modern legend of the game, with three major titles under his belt.
However, he is not the only 16-year-old to impress at the tournament. Last year, another teenager made history, becoming the youngest European player to ever make a PGA Tour cut.
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Kris Kim set for return to Byron Nelson
The now 17-year-old put his high school exam revision to one side last year, with Kim instead competing at the Byron Nelson. His decision paid off, as he managed to secure an impressive 65th-place finish.
Kim has been handed a sponsorship exemption by the CJ group to compete in this year’s tournament. Speaking ahead of the event, Kim has admitted he is looking forward to teeing off in Texas.
“It was so much fun the first time, I just want to experience it all again – all four days of it,” Sky Sports reports.
Looking back at getting to miss school to play on the PGA, Kim revealed it had little impact on his grades.
“I did alright with my results except for Religious Studies – I revised the entirely wrong subject for that one!”
Kim will once again have the help of Olly Brett, the regular caddy of LPGA Tour star Rose Zhang.
Brett’s guidance proved vital last year. The teenager needed a par on the 18th to make the cut, showing composure beyond his years with a comfortable five-shot performance, sending him through to the weekend.
Kim was inspired by Rory McIlroy’s Masters win
Despite currently preparing for just his second PGA Tour start, Kim has revealed his eyes are already firmly set on the biggest prizes in golf.
“She thought I’d miss the cut,” Kim stated. “Thanks Mum! I think I could have played the weekend.”
The youngster went on to mention the huge impact Rory McIlroy has had on his career, with Kim revealing his admiration for McIlroy’s Masters win.
“I don’t really watch golf but how could I not watch that? I was watching from bed and it was so cool. When Rory hit it in the bunkers on the first two holes I thought it might not be his day again,” Kim said.
“It’s inspirational to see somebody knocked down so often and keep getting up. His driving is his great skill, and that really inspires me to get better from the tee. It sets him apart. I like shot-shaping and his approach shot to 15 when he was behind the tree just blew my mind.”
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