Kim Joo-hyung (21), the ‘rising star’ of the American Professional Golf (PGA) tour, is being reborn as an ‘in-sider’ among star golfers. At the end of last year, he was noted for spending time with Jordan Spieth (USA) during the Christmas season.
On the 6th (Korean time), 스포츠토토 after the first round of the PGA Tour Sentry Tournament of Champions held at the Kapalua Plantation Course in Maui, Hawaii, USA, Kim Joo-hyung was asked by reporters about going to Spieth’s house last Christmas. In response, Kim Joo-hyung confessed, “After the Hero World Challenge (early last month), I came on the plane with Jordan. Thank you very much for inviting me. I went to Jordan’s house and saw the baby together and had a special time.”
Coincidentally, on the first day of the tournament, Kim Joo-hyung played in a group with Spieth. After spending a special time with Spieth, he showed strength in the first round of the first tournament of the new year. Kim Joo-hyung, who finished fourth at 8 under par alone with a good shot feeling, such as recording two eagles, started off pleasantly, ahead of Jordan Spieth (6 under par, tied for 11th place). Kim Joo-hyung, who said, “The more I spend time with Jordan, the closer I get,” adding, “I think it’s good to be able to get close and build a friendship.”
Kim Joo-hyung has been reborn as a golfer that star golfers are looking for more. He has flexible English communication at the level of a ‘native’ and adds his unique affinity, standing shoulder to shoulder with star golfers active on the PGA Tour. At The CJ Cup in October of last year, Kim Joo-hyung participated in the press conference of Rory McIlroy (Northern Ireland) as a ‘questioner’. Here, Kim Joo-hyung asked for advice as a player with the question, “How was it when you were very successful at a young age?” . Since then, the two have shown a friendly appearance several times in the round together.
Players’ praise continues. Max Homa (USA) said in an interview after the Presidents Cup last October, “Kim Joo-hyung is a rock star. He’s only 20 years old, but it’s amazing how he has a new perspective on golf.” Shane Lowry (Ireland), who first saw Kim Joo-hyung through the 2020 Asian Tour competition, praised him, saying, “Obviously he (Kim Joo-hyung) did some great things. He showed the perfect sample.” While the gaze toward Kim Joo-hyung continues positively, the PGA Tour is raising his value to the fullest by making a special mention of him every day.