16-year-old English sensation Kris Kim believes he hit a “perfect” shot during his first-round 68 at The CJ Cup Byron Nelson on Thursday.
Kim sits five shots back of leader Matt Wallace and has given himself a genuine chance of making the cut at TPC Craig Ranch. If he does qualify for the weekend, he would become the fifth-youngest player to make the cut at a PGA Tour event. Furthermore, he would also become the youngest player to do so in 11 years.
Starting on the 10th, Kim quickly found himself under par with a birdie at the par-four 11th. However, he gave shots back in quick succession. Birdies of the 16th and 18th saw the 16-year-old out in a one-under 34.
Kim was still one under heading up the par-five ninth – his final hole – and chipped in for eagle to finish on three-under. Unsurprisingly, the youngster was delighted with his day’s efforts.
Kris Kim wowed by a near-perfect shot he hit at The CJ Cup Byron Nelson
Speaking to the media after his round, Kim was asked about his eagle on the 9th. He said: “I thought it was pretty fun today. Made a lot of birdies and a couple of bogeys in there, but I think overall, I played really well.
“It was pretty funny [chipping in]; I had the perfect club and perfect number, like 30 yards, I think, yeah, it was perfect.”
When asked about how nervous he was, Kim added: “[Nerves] were pretty high [on the first], to be honest, but it helped that I got a good drive away and a pretty good second shot in as well.”
Another sub-par round required tomorrow for Kris Kim at the Byron Nelson
With Kim currently tied for 53rd, another under-par round will be required tomorrow if he wants to make it through to the weekend.
Regular golfers will be looking on with envy to see a 16-year-old shoot three-under par at a PGA Tour event. There are people out there who dedicate plenty of time and effort and get nowhere near such a feat.
The Englishman clearly has something special, and for those around him, keeping him grounded and working hard is essential.
Fortunately, Kim isn’t the first youngster to break into the world of professional golf. Guan Tianliang made the cut at The Masters in 2013, and 15-year Miles Russell recently shot 14-under through three rounds on the Korn Ferry Tour.
The game is more than used to youngsters breaking through, which can only be a good thing for Kim and his development.
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