[Asia Economy Reporter Noo Rae Noh] "My hobby is also golf."
Kim Joo-hyung (20), who shocked everyone by winning the Wyndham Championship, the final event of the 2021/2022 PGA Tour season, and broke the record as the youngest Korean champion in PGA history, expressed strong confidence ahead of the FedEx Cup Playoffs (PO) starting on the 11th (local time). In an interview with the PGA Tour before the first playoff event, the St. Jude Championship, Kim said, "The PGA Tour is my only dream," adding, "I still can't believe that I have become an official member." He added, "I played a practice round and the feeling was good," and "I am confident in the hot weather."
- How have you been since winning the Wyndham Championship?
▲ I still can't believe it. The past month has passed really hecticly, and unbelievable things have happened. In early July, I was preparing for the Korn Ferry (2nd tier) Tour Finals. But then I won on the PGA Tour, and now I am an official member and will be playing in the playoffs. These are truly unbelievable events.
- You played a practice round over the first 9 holes. How was it?
▲ It was very good. The course seems well prepared. To make birdies, I think I need to target good positions. I am really looking forward to my first playoff tournament.
- If you had not qualified for the tournament, what would you have been doing?
▲ I probably would have gone home. My original plan was to go home and rest this week. Playing here is better than resting at home.
- You engraved ‘Radar’ on your wedge like Justin Thomas (USA). Why?
▲ Since I was young, the PGA Tour has been my dream. Watching players on the PGA Tour, I nurtured that dream. I was very interested in top-level players. I wanted to become a great player like them, so I somewhat followed their example. But I want to say that I have adapted it in my own way to some extent.
- You have been playing tournaments continuously in hot places. Is it difficult?
▲ I lived in a very hot area when I was young. I am used to this kind of heat. I actually prefer hot weather over cold weather for playing. I drink a lot of water and manage my condition without overexerting myself.
- Do you have any hobbies besides golf?
▲ I don’t have any special hobbies. Even on my days off, I tend to think a lot about golf at home. I want to say that golf is my hobby too. When I have time, I watch videos on YouTube or just sleep. About 80% of my daily routine seems to be golf.
- You showed great play without nervousness at last week’s Wyndham Championship.
▲ I don’t know if it looked that way, but inside I was really nervous while playing. Knowing that I was leading by 4-5 strokes was more nerve-wracking than leading by just one stroke. I tried not to get too excited. I decided to finish the tournament without regrets and focused on the game.
- I heard your parents played a big role in your success as a golfer.
▲ At first, I went to golf courses with my parents and older brother just for fun. Naturally, I became interested in golf. When I traveled to various countries for my career, my parents were always with me and shared the hardships. They gave me a lot of help both technically and mentally. Without my parents, I wouldn’t be who I am today.
- You became a PGA Tour member amid the turmoil caused by LIV Golf in the golf world.
▲ I have thought about this issue, and the conclusion is that I will always play on the PGA Tour. Since I was young, I watched Tiger Woods (USA) play and nurtured my dream. That has been my only dream. I try not to pay attention to what is happening outside of golf. My goal is to play as a good player on the PGA Tour for a long time.
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