News Summary
Michael Kim, the former No. 1 ranked amateur golfer, is making a stunning return to professional golf. After experiencing a challenging period from 2019 to 2021, he sought expert coaching to refine his skills. The 2025 season has seen him earn more in just seven starts than all of 2024, showcasing a newfound consistency with impressive finishes, including a recent T2 in Arizona. The golfing world is buzzing with excitement as Kim revives his career and continues climbing the ranks.
Michael Kim’s Inspiring Golf Comeback
If you’ve been keeping an eye on the golf scene, you might have noticed the exciting resurgence of Michael Kim, a name that was once at the top of the amateur golf world but faced a daunting battle on the professional circuit. The former No. 1 ranked amateur golfer is reminding everyone of his talents, and let’s just say, he’s back with a bang!
The Highs and Lows of Kim’s Journey
Do you recall the sweet victory when Kim clinched the PGA Tour trophy at the 2018 John Deere Classic? It was a spectacular moment, and fans were buzzing with excitement for what was next. However, from 2019 to 2021, things took a turn. Kim endured a difficult stretch where he made the cut in only 10 out of 66 events. Yes, you heard that right—he missed the cut in a staggering 49 competitions during that challenging phase. Talk about a rollercoaster ride!
Seeking Help to Find His Groove
Realizing that he needed to get back on track, Kim did something admirable; he sought the help of expert coaches to refine his skills and regain his confidence. Among them was Sean Foley, a renowned coach who’s had great success with golfing icons like Tiger Woods and Lydia Ko. Kim’s focus shifted to enhancing his muscle memory, with a unique technique of hitting massive hooks during practice sessions—definitely a different approach!
But that wasn’t all! He also teamed up with another brilliant coach, Joseph Mayo, who previously worked with the talented Viktor Hovland. This collaboration brought improvements specifically to Kim’s chipping game. It’s amazing how a few lessons can turn things around, isn’t it? Kim has expressed that working with Mayo made a significant impact on his chipping performance, which is clearly reflected in his current ranking of 22nd in strokes gained around the green. That’s quite an impressive feat!
A Stellar Start to the 2025 Season
Fast forward to the 2025 PGA Tour season: Kim has truly turned the page. He’s already earned more in just seven starts than he did throughout all of 2024, even after playing an extra 23 events last year. What a turnaround! His season didn’t start as spectacularly as one might hope, with a missed cut at the Sony Open in Hawaii. But since then, Kim has strung together four top-15 finishes in just six events, showcasing a newfound consistency and skill that many hoped to see return.

