In Seoul, South Korea, a father and son shared a golf course, building not just a swing but a legacy. Twenty-nine years later, that son—Si Woo Kim—stands as one of the PGA Tour’s most accomplished Korean golfers, carrying his heritage proudly from TPC Sawgrass to the international stage.

The professional golfer was born and raised in Seoul, South Korea, on June 28, 1995. His race and ethnicity are Korean (East Asian), and his heritage remains central to his identity both on and off the course. His Korean name, 김시우 (Kim Si-woo), carries deep cultural significance.

“Si-woo” (시우) means “begin/start” and “divine intervention/protection/rain” in Korean. Interestingly, it ranked among the top 5 most popular names for newborn boys in South Korea in 2011, 2013, and 2017.

Kim’s educational journey took place entirely in Seoul. He attended Sinsung High School before pursuing a degree in Physical Education at Yonsei University. Throughout his development, one constant remained: his father, Kim Doo-young, served as his only golf instructor.

His professional achievements have reflected immense pride in representing South Korea. After winning the Asian Games gold medal in 2022, Kim was proud.

“I am so proud to represent the country and win this gold medal. I always think the biggest key for me is to keep my emotions under control.”

The gold medal carried enormous significance beyond just athletic achievement. As a Korean citizen, Kim was required to serve South Korea’s mandatory 21-month military service. However, the Asian Games victory earned him an exemption from the army, allowing him to continue his PGA Tour career uninterrupted. “I figured it was gold or nothing for us, and that stressed me out quite a bit,” he revealed about the pressure.

Kim has consistently represented South Korea in major international competitions. He played for the International team at the Presidents Cup in 2017, 2022, and 2024. Additionally, he represented his country at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, where he finished 32nd.

His career milestones have elevated Korean men’s golf on the global stage. Following his historic 2017 Players Championship victory, Kim expressed:

“Korean female golfers are doing so well in the LPGA, and I wanted to show that male golfers also have what it takes to play competitively in the U.S. tour.”

At just 21, he became the youngest Players Championship winner in history. More importantly, he became only the second Korean to claim the PGA Tour’s flagship event, following K.J. Choi’s 2011 victory. “K.J. has become a really good model, so because he had won before, I am kind of confident that a Korean can win one of these tournaments,” Kim acknowledged.

His professional achievements have translated into substantial career earnings and endorsement deals with major brands like Callaway. Currently, he boasts four PGA Tour victories, with his most recent coming at the 2023 Sony Open in Hawaii.

Si Woo Kim’s family legacy – father-son golf partnership in Korean tradition

The relationship between Si Woo Kim and his father represents traditional Korean family values in action. Kim Doo-young remains his son’s only golf teacher throughout his entire career. “He is the only teacher I have ever had,” Kim has stated repeatedly.

This exclusive father-son partnership emphasizes the traditional Korean approach to mentorship and development. Rather than seeking multiple coaches, as most professionals do, Kim maintained a singular relationship. His father’s wisdom extended beyond technique into life philosophy.

“My dad keeps talking to me, you’re not the top player, so don’t try to act like a top player,” Kim shared. This humble approach shaped his perspective, even after he broke records. He admitted: “I think I was not good enough for the top level… But somehow I got lucky.”

Today, Kim maintains his Korean identity while residing in Dallas, Texas. He married Ji Hyun Oh, also a Korean professional golfer, in December 2022. Together, they have a son named Theo.

Si Woo Kim exemplifies the modern Korean athlete who maintains strong cultural roots while achieving international success. He proudly represents South Korea in global competitions while building his career in the United States. What aspects of his Korean heritage do you find most inspiring?