Golf is a brutal game. One day you’re shattering records at the John Deere Classic, and the next, you’re grinding on the Korn Ferry Tour just to keep your career on life support. Honestly, that’s the reality of Michael Kim, a guy who has lived through the highest of highs and some pretty humbling lows.
He didn't just disappear after his 2018 breakout. He struggled. He searched. And then, he did something most pro golfers are terrified to do: he started talking about it.
The Social Media Renaissance of Michael Kim
You’ve probably seen his tweets. Or X posts. Whatever we're calling them this week. While most pros post generic "Thanks to my sponsors" captions, Michael Kim has become a must-follow for his "inside the ropes" honesty. He’s the guy telling you exactly how much a season on tour costs—spoiler: his 2024 travel bill was over $92,000—and what it’s like to sleep in an airport during a delay.
It’s refreshing.
People love the "real" stuff. He’s shared everything from the technical nuances of his equipment changes to the mental grind of playing for your job when you’re 117th in the FedEx Cup standings. It’s not just for likes, either. Kim has mentioned that his sponsors love the engagement, and it’s finally given him an identity beyond "that guy who won the John Deere once."
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That Record-Breaking Week in Silvis
We have to talk about 2018. It was absurd. Kim turned 25 that Saturday and celebrated by absolutely dismantling TPC Deere Run. He finished at 27-under-par, winning by eight strokes. Eight! That shattered Steve Stricker’s tournament record.
- Rounds: 63-64-64-66
- Winning Margin: 8 shots (Largest since the event moved to Silvis in 2000)
- The Prize: A $1.044 million paycheck and a trip to the Open Championship at Carnoustie.
But here is the thing about golf: a win like that can be a curse. It sets an impossible bar. For years after that victory, Kim went through a massive slump, eventually losing his PGA Tour card in 2021.
Michael Kim: The 2025 Comeback and the French Connection
If 2018 was about the breakout, 2025 has been about the revival. He’s currently sitting around 35th in the Official World Golf Ranking, a massive leap from where he was just a couple of years ago.
The biggest highlight? Winning the 2025 FedEx Open de France.
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It wasn't a blowout like the John Deere. It was a gritty, Sunday afternoon battle at Saint-Nom-la-Bretèche. He drained a 16-foot par putt on the last hole to win by a single stroke. He had actually just switched to a TaylorMade Spider 5K-ZT putter and a new Titleist T250 4-iron right before the win. Talk about a "gear change" paying off.
Current Form and Stats
What's actually changed in his game? If you look at the numbers, his consistency is through the roof.
- SG: Total: Ranked 43rd on Tour (as of early 2025 stats).
- Bogey Avoidance: He’s been near the top of the list, which tells you he isn't beating himself anymore.
- Top 10s: He’s already notched several in the 2025 season, including a T2 at the WM Phoenix Open where he played alongside Jordan Spieth and held his own in that "Coliseum" atmosphere.
He isn't the longest hitter—averaging around 300 yards—but his approach play and scrambling have become elite. He’s basically turned into a "fairways and greens" machine with a much better mental approach to the game.
From Cal Berkeley to the Global Stage
Kim’s pedigree was always there. At Cal, he was the 2013 National Player of the Year. He won the Haskins and the Nicklaus Award. He was the low amateur at the 2013 U.S. Open (T17). The talent didn't just vanish; it just got buried under the weight of expectations and a few swing changes that didn't take.
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He’s 32 now. He’s seen the bottom of the leaderboards and the top.
Interestingly, he’s one of the few guys who seems to genuinely enjoy playing a global schedule. While some Americans hate the travel, Kim has been active on the DP World Tour, which is where that French victory came from. He’s chasing those Signature Event spots on the PGA Tour, and he’s doing it by playing more than almost anyone else.
What’s Next for the "Sincere" Golfer?
Michael Kim is in a unique spot. He’s no longer just a "one-win wonder." He’s a veteran with a second wind and a massive platform.
If you’re looking for actionable ways to follow his journey or improve your own game based on his "Kimisms":
- Watch the Equipment: Kim is a gear nerd. Follow his "What's in the Bag" updates on GolfWRX; he often explains why he moves from a blade to a cavity back or why he switched to a zero-torque putter.
- The Social Lesson: If you’re a fan, his X (Twitter) feed is the best place for real-time Q&As. He frequently answers fan questions about course strategy and life on the road.
- Track the Signature Events: Keep an eye on the FedEx Cup standings. Kim is right on the bubble for the big-money Signature Events in 2026. His performance in the middle-tier events will determine if he jumps into the elite top-50 bracket.
Kim’s career is a reminder that professional golf is rarely a straight line. It’s a zigzag of missed cuts, airport naps, and the occasional 16-footer for the win.