
via Getty
VIRGINIA WATER, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 22: Si Woo Kim of South Korea tees off on the seventh hole during day four of the BMW PGA Championship 2024 at Wentworth Club on September 22, 2024 in Virginia Water, England. (Photo by Ross Kinnaird/Getty Images)

via Getty
VIRGINIA WATER, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 22: Si Woo Kim of South Korea tees off on the seventh hole during day four of the BMW PGA Championship 2024 at Wentworth Club on September 22, 2024 in Virginia Water, England. (Photo by Ross Kinnaird/Getty Images)
It happens only in rare cases where you see a 21-year-old outplay the world’s best golfers and make history doing it. But back in 2017, that’s exactly what Si Woo Kim. With a cool head and laser-sharp precision, he became the youngest-ever winner of The Players Championship. While he had already claimed his first PGA Tour win at the 2016 Wyndham Championship, the Players was on a whole different level. Often called the “fifth major,” it draws one of the strongest fields in golf and tests even the most seasoned pros—definitely a milestone achieved in the early stages of his career, and it gave his career a strong kickstart.
When Kim is on, he’s really on. Take the example of the American Express in 2021, where he played four consistent rounds and edged out Patrick Cantlay by one stroke to secure his third PGA Tour win. He held firm under pressure, closing with a 64. He kept that momentum going in 2023 at the Sony Open in Hawaii, finishing at 18-under-par with a total score of 262. That week, he pulled off one of the most memorable shots of the season—a chip-in birdie on the 17th hole during the final round—that helped him seal the win.
This rhythm carried into 2024, where Kim remained a steady presence on the PGA Tour. While he didn’t take home a trophy that season, he recorded multiple top-25 finishes—including strong showings at the Wells Fargo Championship and the Travelers. His sharp approach play and mental resilience kept him competitive throughout the year, showing he was still very much in the game. He came close at the Shriners Children’s Open, where he finished T4, just a couple of strokes less than the winner, which is not bad at all. The year 2024 kept him going, with just enough solid finishes to stay relevant and ready for a stronger 2025.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
He started 2025 with a 12th rank at Pebble Beach, showing solid control and sharp iron play through tough weather conditions. At the RBC Heritage, he even held the 54-hole lead, raising hopes for another trophy. But a rough final round knocked him down to a T8 finish, which is still impressive but a reminder that closing is its own challenge. As a young golfer with 4 PGA tour wins and 66th OWGR, his career may not be legendary yet, but it’s certainly respectable, and it clearly shows he has the potential to become a prominent name in the sport.
While his career has had its ups and downs, Si Woo Kim’s consistency on the PGA Tour has paid off well. By paid off, we mean literally paid off; the iconic 2017 Players Championship brought him a payout of $2.25 million. And in 2021’s American Express, just 21 years old and still new to the spotlight, he stunned the golf world by winning, and this win added roughly $1.26 million to his career earnings. Then came the 2023 Sony Open in Hawaii, where he earned about $1.3 million.
View this post on Instagram
The early 2025 did not score him much in earnings; combining the Pebble Beach and the RBC Heritage added up to just over $1 million. But overall the net worth, the overall career earnings of the player, is around $28.94 million, and that’s no small feat. For a player still just 30, it’s a strong number that speaks to his consistency.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Of course, prize money is only part of the picture. His calm demeanor and growing fan base, especially back home in South Korea, have helped him build a strong profile beyond the leaderboard.
What’s your perspective on:
Is Si Woo Kim the next big thing in golf, or just another flash in the pan?
Have an interesting take?
How is Si Woo Kim doing with brand endorsements?
Callaway Golf recognized Kim’s talent early on, signing him in 2018. His precision and consistency on the course made him a natural fit for Callaway’s high-performance equipment. In 2024, Kim caught everyone’s attention off the course when he teamed up with Bad Birdie, a bold startup known for its unconventional golf apparel. Becoming their first PGA Tour ambassador felt like a perfect match—both the brand and Kim share that fearless, fresh approach to the game.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
It was a smart move on their part and a natural fit for Kim’s rising profile. Then, in 2025, Kim surprised fans again with a partnership that was a bit outside the usual golf circle, which was his signing with YeetCasino. Sharing the news on Instagram, he posted, “Happy to announce my newest sponsor @yeetcasino,” showing he’s open to exploring new and unexpected opportunities beyond the fairway.
Si Woo Kim’s story is far from over; the young player’s career has just started, and with multiple PGA Tour wins already under his belt and a growing presence both on and off the course, he’s proving that talent paired with resilience can carve out a lasting career. Kim’s story is one you’ll want to keep an eye on. Because if the past is any clue, he’s just getting started.
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Is Si Woo Kim the next big thing in golf, or just another flash in the pan?