Imagine playing your first event—the Charles Schwab Challenge—as a rookie on the PGA Tour, and you begin your round with a hole-out eagle. But to make it even better, you’re on top of the leaderboard for the first day. There is no better start than that, especially when you know you’ve played better than even the World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler. This is how things went down for John Pak in the 2025 season. What motivated him? His determination! “There was a fire lit under me this morning,” he said. But who is John Pak? Let’s find out about the new rookie who sent out a strong message that he’s not just here to compete, but to contend.

From collegiate star to pro: John Pak’s transition

Born on 18 December 1998 in New Jersey, John Pak is an American professional golfer who recently secured a spot on the PGA Tour, finishing in the top 30 of the 2024 Korn Ferry Tour standings. He spent his formative years in New Jersey but moved to Orlando during high school to immerse himself in a more competitive golfing environment. The journey hasn’t been linear, but Pak was determined, and it shows in his achievements.

He won several accolades in his amateur career, starting with being named to the Rolex Junior First Team All-American by the AJGA. His collegiate journey at Florida State University set the ball rolling for him, and he became one of the most decorated players in the program’s history. He secured 8 tournament victories and maintained an impressive scoring average of 69 in collegiate golf and even made a name for himself as the lowest-scoring amateur in the 2020 U.S. Open at Winged Foot Golf Club. If this wasn’t impressive enough, there’s more.

Pak has also represented America in the 2020 Arnold Palmer Cup and was ranked number one in the inaugural PGA Tour University rankings in 2021. He swept college golf’s major awards in 2021 and was deemed on a meteoric rise to greatness. But like every player, he too went through a rough patch.

He turned professional in 2021 and made his debut at the Palmetto Championship on the PGA Tour, where he missed the cut. In his debut season on the Korn Ferry Tour, he did not finish well and lost his card. But his first professional victory at the Elk Ridge Saskatchewan Open helped him get back on his feet. He went on to win the 2024 Compliance Solutions Championship with a score of 23-under on the Korn Ferry Tour, where he reflected, “I’ve definitely doubted myself when I first turned pro, and I really struggled. A year-and-a-half ago, I had no status anywhere, but I have a lot of people who love me and support me, and I couldn’t do it without them.” With close to $488,000 in career earnings, Pak finished 23rd on the Korn Ferry Tour and earned his card for the 2025 PGA Tour season.

Pak’s journey has been a tough one, but like everyone else, he wouldn’t be here without a strong support system.

John Pak’s life beyond the fairway

Being the second youngest of five siblings, Pak is very close-knit with his family. His parents, Michelle and Kenny, have seen him win a few matches and tournaments over the years. He is currently in a relationship with Beatrice Wallin, whom he met during his college years at Florida State University. Beatrice Wallin is also a professional golfer representing Sweden and joined the Epson Tour in 2022 with 3 career top 10s. The couple began dating in 2021, and Pak proposed to her in December 2024. They currently live together in Florida, where they got their first home together in June 2024. While they share a passion for golf, their social media posts often convey their constant support and admiration for each other.

John Pak is also an ardent follower of Basketball, and is known to be a fan of the New York Knicks. He was even spotted wearing a sweater representing the Knicks on the golf course showing his love for the same. But his social media posts do not take away the fact that golf is always his favourite sport.

Have you been following Pak’s journey closely? Let us know in the comments below!