When 16-year-old Chris Kim arrived at TPC Craig Ranch earlier this week for the CJ Cup Byron Nelson, he had one goal in mind. It was to earn the right to participate.
That goal became a reality Friday night, as Kim shot a 4-under 67 to qualify by two strokes.
This makes Kim the youngest player to qualify for the PGA Tour since Kyle Sappa did so over the weekend at the 2015 Sony Open in Hawaii. He also became the youngest player in CJ Cup Byron Nelson history to compete, surpassing Jordan Spieth, who achieved the feat at 16 years, 9 months, 24 days.
Kim is now two months younger than Spieth was at the time.
“I’m feeling pretty good. I feel like I’ve played well the last two days,” Kim said.
“I was pretty patient there. Yes, I think it went well.”
Kim Byung-hyun started the second round with four birdies in the first six holes, with a bogey on the par-3 fourth hole in between.
He added another par breaker on the par-5 ninth hole, finishing with a 4-under 32 on the front nine. At that point, he was 7 under par, well above the championship cut line, and on his way to making history.
However, some adversity began to creep into his rounds. Kim Byung-hyun missed opportunities on the 10th, 11th, and 12th holes, and dropped his shot on the par-4 13th hole. There, Kim hit her tee shot into a bunker and fell back to 6 under. At that point, he was one stroke ahead of the cut and was getting nervous.
When asked if she was nervous during Friday’s game, Kim replied with a smile, “I think I was.”
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“It wasn’t that bad. It’s golf after all.”
He also revealed that he and his caddy ignored the leaderboard after the 15th hole and focused on the moment. They didn’t want to get distracted or think too much about the task at hand.
Pars on the 16th and 17th followed, and Kim moved up to the par-5 18th, her second easiest hole so far this week.
“Honestly, it’s a par 5 so it helps a lot,” Kim said of her feelings at the final tee box.
“But yeah, I mean, when you’re at the cut line, no matter what tournament it is, you’re always nervous.”
Kim somehow calmed down and took the birdie easily. He made a layup on the 552-yard hole, and on his third shot he wedged a 6-footer from 91 yards out, creating a golden opportunity. He hit the final green, achieving a goal he set earlier this week.
Kim added, “I’m happy.” “I can’t wait to start again. [on Saturday]”
Jack Mirko is a golf staff writer for SB Nation’s Playing Through.Be sure to check it out @_PlayingThrough Cover more golf. You can follow him on Twitter @jack_milko In the same way.
