16-Year-Old Kris Kim Makes PGA Tour Cut at CJ Cup Byron Nelson
Kris Kim, a 16-year-old English amateur, made waves at the CJ Cup Byron Nelson by becoming the youngest player in 11 years to make the cut in a PGA Tour event. Kim sealed his spot in the weekend rounds by finishing his second round with a birdie for a 4-under 67. His impressive performance left him at 7-under 135, securing a place among the 66 players who made the cut, set at 6 under.
Kim’s achievement is particularly noteworthy given his age, making him the fifth-youngest player ever to make a PGA Tour cut. His debut at the PGA Tour also comes on a sponsor exemption, marking a significant milestone in his burgeoning career. Kim, the son of former LPGA Tour player Ji-Hyun Suh, received sponsorship from South Korean company CJ Group, the title sponsor of the CJ Cup Byron Nelson.
Reflecting on his accomplishment, Kim expressed his happiness and excitement, emphasizing his enjoyment of the tournament experience and his anticipation for the upcoming rounds. His notable performance adds to the recent trend of young talent making waves in professional golf, following in the footsteps of 15-year-old Miles Russell, who recently became the youngest player to make the cut in the history of the Korn Ferry Tour.
Meanwhile, on the leaderboard, Jake Knapp emerged as the leader with a second consecutive 7-under 64, giving him sole possession of the lead at 14-under 128. Knapp’s stellar play propelled him ahead of Troy Merritt and first-round leader Matt Wallace. Despite his young age, Kim’s performance underscores the depth of talent and potential in the next generation of golfers.
Knapp’s Journey to Success
Jake Knapp’s journey to the top of the leaderboard at the CJ Cup Byron Nelson has been marked by perseverance and dedication. The 29-year-old golfer, who turns 30 on May 31, has overcome challenges on his path to success, including losing his card on the developmental Korn Ferry Tour.
Undeterred by setbacks, Knapp continued to pursue his passion for golf, even taking on a part-time job while honing his skills on the course. His hard work paid off with a win at the Mexico Open in his fifth start of the season, securing his ninth overall victory, including two as an amateur in 2015.
Knapp’s impressive performance at TPC Craig Ranch reflects his commitment to the game, as he demonstrated solid ball-striking and putting consistency throughout the first two rounds. His ability to maintain composure under pressure and capitalize on scoring opportunities positions him as a contender heading into the weekend rounds.
As Knapp vies for his first PGA Tour victory, his journey serves as a testament to the resilience and determination required to succeed at the highest level of professional golf. With his sights set on the top of the leaderboard, Knapp looks to continue his stellar play and make his mark on the CJ Cup Byron Nelson.
