[New Start New Challenge] Kim Baekjun: "I Want to Excite Fans Like Woods"

The unlucky rookie who missed out on Rookie of the Year after a disappointing season finale last year
Showcased outstanding skills with his first career victory at this year's season opener
Gained distance by increasing weight by 5kg and swing speed
Aiming for the Genesis Grand Prize and a challenge on the PGA Tour stage

"I want to become a player who excites fans like Tiger Woods (USA)." This is the ambition of Kim Baekjun, who was born in 2001. He is a second-year player who debuted on the Korea Professional Golf Association (KPGA) Tour last year. Although he narrowly missed out on Rookie of the Year after finishing tied for 40th at the season-ending Tour Championship in November, it was this performance that brought him into the spotlight.

In an interview with Asia Economy on May 16, Kim said, "Last year, I didn't achieve good results because I was lacking. I have no regrets," and added, "I want to become a player who produces results whenever it matters, just like Woods."

Kim Baekjun, who is ranked number one in Genesis Points this year, expressed his aspiration to perform a stylish celebration like Tiger Woods on the biggest stage. KPGA

Kim Baekjun stood out during his amateur days. He won a gold medal in the individual event at the 2019 National Sports Festival, and in 2021, he drew early attention by finishing runner-up at the KPGA Tour 'SK Telecom Open' as an amateur invitee. However, he later went through a slump. He recalled, "Since becoming a national team member in 2020, I felt a lot of pressure to perform well." He continued, "It's an emotion every athlete experiences. At some point, I hit a slump, and no matter how much I practiced, I couldn't play as well as usual."

Baekjun Kim is taking a commemorative photo after pinning a carnation on his father on Parents' Day. KPGA

Kim Baekjun watched as Jo Wooyoung and Jang Yoobin, who played alongside him on the national team, won gold medals at the 2023 Hangzhou Asian Games and captured KPGA tournament victories as amateurs. During that period, following advice from those around him, he completely stepped away from golf and took a break. He even spent late nights out with friends.

He said, "Since I started playing golf in sixth grade, I had never taken such a long break. After putting golf aside, I gradually started to feel better," and added, "I also learned that balancing golf and daily life is important."

In 2023, Kim Baekjun advanced to the KPGA regular tour after competing on the Challenge (second-tier) Tour. He qualified by finishing fourth in the Challenge Tour's combined points ranking and participated in 18 tournaments in his first year on the regular tour last year. Although he did not win, he finished in the top five twice, including a tie for third at the SK Telecom Open. He led the rookie points race until the final event, but was overtaken when Song Minhyeok finished runner-up at the Tour Championship. He said, "There's no need to blame anyone," and acknowledged his rival's skill by saying, "(Song) Minhyeok earned Rookie of the Year because he played well."

Baekjun Kim is smiling brightly with the trophy placed on his knee right after winning the season-opening DB Insurance Promy Open this year. KPGA

This year, Kim Baekjun is on a steep upward trajectory. Last month, he claimed his first career victory in his 25th KPGA Tour appearance by winning the season-opening DB Insurance Promy Open by two strokes. He has continued his consistent performance with a tie for 10th at the Woori Financial Championship and a tie for second at the GS Caltex Maekyung Open, maintaining his position at the top of the Genesis Points standings.

Kim Baekjun's strength is his iron shots. He explained, "I have confidence that I can always stick the ball close to the hole with my 7 or 8 iron," and added, "As my mid-iron shots improved, I also became able to attack confidently with long irons." He uses a Titleist U505 2-iron driving iron (18-degree loft), which he mainly pulls out when he has 220 to 230 meters left to the hole.

During the off-season, he focused on increasing his driving distance. He trained with Canadian swing coach Alan Wilson, who has also coached Bae Sangmoon, Seo Yoseop, and Lee Sanghee. The two have worked together for eight years since 2017. Last winter, he also completed field training in Spain.

He said, "To increase my distance, I raised my swing speed and increased my weight from my usual 72kg to 77kg," and added, "My average driving distance is 270 meters, and when I hit it hard, I can reach up to 285 meters."

Kim Baekjun secured sufficient distance through his weight and swing speed. KPGA

Kim Baekjun's goal this year is to win the Genesis Grand Prize. He said, "I set a goal of three wins this year, and I achieved my first win earlier than expected," and added, "My recent form is also not bad." The winner of the Genesis Grand Prize earns a direct spot in the final stage of the PGA Tour Qualifying (Q) School. He emphasized, "Playing in the United States is always on my mind," and stated, "If I get the opportunity, I definitely want to go."

Baekjun Kim (right) is walking amicably with Seungbin Choi at the 16th hole of the 2nd round of the DB Insurance Promy Open. KPGA

His favorite player is Tiger Woods. He said, "Woods' play is truly spectacular. He produces results whenever it matters, and his celebrations are amazing," and added, "I really like how he excites the fans." He continued, "I also want to perform stylish celebrations like Woods," and said with a smile, "I want to be remembered as a golfer who plays well and is also a good person."