McKINNEY, Texas — Chris Kim, a 16-year-old amateur playing the CJ Cup Byron Nelson on a sponsor exemption, becomes the youngest player to play in a PGA Tour event in nine years.
Kim Byung-hyun finished Friday’s second round with a birdie, marking a 4-under 67.
With a score of 7-under par and 135, he was among 66 players with 6-under par.
“Honestly, I’m just going to show up,” Kim told reporters after the round. “I thought a number like this would be enough, but I’m very happy that we achieved it.”
Jake Knapp took the lead with a 14-under 128.
Kyle Sappa was 16 years old when he qualified for the Sony Open in Hawaii in 2015.
“It feels pretty good,” Kim said. “I feel like I played well the last two days. I just had to be pretty patient and I think it worked out.”
At 16 years and 7 months, Kim became the youngest player to qualify for Nelson, passing Jordan Spieth.
“I’ve had a lot of fun the last few days, but it’s going to be even more fun when I’m here for two more days.”
Kim shot 1 under for the day as Knapp prepared to tee off, finishing Saturday’s third round tied for 46th at 8 under.
Spieth made his first PGA Tour start at a local event in 2010, two months shy of his 17th birthday, and finished tied for 16th.
Kim, the son of former LPGA Tour player and South Korean So Ji-hyun, will be making his PGA Tour debut.
He is the first amateur athlete to be sponsored by Korean company CJ Group, which became Nelson’s title sponsor for the first time.
— with AP
