Now the world of golf is looking beyond Europe. Kim Dong-han (17, Chris Kim) has led Team Europe to victory in the Junior Ryder Cup with a 3-1 record. The 17-year-old, who topped the R&A Boys Amateur Championship in August, one of the most prestigious tournaments in the amateur ranks, has earned the comfortable nickname of Team Europe’s Junior Ryder Cup ace.
Born and raised in England as part of his parents’ business, Kim’s recent rise has been meteoric. Since being selected for the England national team for the first time last year, he has become a highly sought-after player, finishing in the top half of every tournament he competes in.
His most memorable tournament was the Junior Ryder Cup, which concluded last month. He was selected to represent Team Europe and won three out of four matches, giving him the confidence to compete against anyone. “I still remember the moment when I hit my first tee shot in front of a huge crowd,” said Kim. “I worked really hard to help the team and it worked out better than I expected. I think the experience I had at the Junior Ryder Cup will help me a lot after I become a professional golfer.”
There was also a special moment that got Kim’s heart racing. He met the European team captains Luke Donald (England), Rory McIlroy (Northern Ireland) and Viktor Hovlan (Norway). “It was amazing to see these players in person after watching them on TV,” he says. We talked about various things, such as what to do as a professional golfer ahead of the tournament,” he said. “The encouragement that I was doing well gave me confidence. I vowed to become the best player in the world one day, just like McIlroy and Hovlan.”
With the 2023 season behind her, Kim will now begin preparing for next season. Tutored by her mother, Seo Ji-hyun, who played on the LPGA Tour, Korean Ladies Professional Golf Association (KLPGA) Tour, and Japan Ladies Professional Golf Association (JLPGA) Tour, Dong-han will take some time to work on her swing with swing coach Yi Xiu in South Korea. “I don’t think I should be satisfied just because I did well this year. I still have a lot to accomplish, so I’m going to work harder. I plan to train with him in Korea and then prepare for next season in England in earnest.” 온라인카지노
Recognized for his potential, Kim is sponsored by CJ Group, Under Armour, and TaylorMade, among others, and dreams of making the DP World Tour and eventually the PGA Tour. “I want to be a player who competes for a long time on the PGA Tour, not a player who plays well as an amateur and then disappears,” he said. “It won’t be easy, but I also have a desire to become the world No. 1. I will continue to challenge myself until I realize the dream I have in my heart.”
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