11th September 2025 Wentworth Club, London, England The BMW PGA, Golf Herren Championship Round 1 Michael Kim of USA looks on from the 1st tee PUBLICATIONxNOTxINxUK HenningxvonxJagow
11th September 2025 Wentworth Club, London, England The BMW PGA, Golf Herren Championship Round 1 Michael Kim of USA looks on from the 1st tee PUBLICATIONxNOTxINxUK HenningxvonxJagow
PGA Tour golfer Michael Kim got his U.S. Open invitation and immediately started thinking about the next one. Thanks to his current ranking, further good news could soon be on the way.
Kim, currently ranked 45th in the world, posted on X on May 18 that he had received an official exemption letter from the USGA for the 126th U.S. Open Championship. He was direct about what he was really after.
"Not the worst consolation prize," Kim wrote on X. "If I stay in the top 50 after one more week, I'm also exempt into the Open champ. Currently 45."
The tournament runs June 18-21 at Shinnecock Hills Golf Club in Southampton, New York. Kim qualified under category 21 OWGR Top 50 as of May 2026.
This is an important moment for Kim, who has quietly improved his game. Kim has multiple top-15 finishes this season, including a tied second-place finish at the WM Phoenix Open in Arizona.
He also played well at the Arnold Palmer Invitational at Bay Hill Club & Lodge in early March.
This will be Kim's third U.S. Open appearance after his strong comeback on the PGA Tour. His last U.S. Open was in 2018. In 2013, he finished tied for 17th at the U.S. Open at Merion Golf Club and earned low-amateur honors.
Shinnecock Hills Golf Club is one of the most famous golf courses in America in 2026. The course is known for being very challenging and has often produced high scores in major championships.
Kim's world ranking of 45th also gives him a good chance to play in a second major tournament this summer, and he has spoken about that possibility himself.
Michael Kim Rebuilt His Career to Earn a Return to Major Championship Golf
Kim's journey back to major championship golf was not easy. He was a top player at the University of California, Berkeley, and also played on the winning 2013 Walker Cup USA team.
During his college years, he played alongside Max Homa, who later became a multiple PGA Tour winner. But after college, it took Kim some time to find success on tour.
Michael Kim has a strong U.S. Open pedigree, highlighted by his 2013 low-amateur finish at Merion and his 2013 Walker Cup success, and he arrives at Shinnecock in solid 2026 form.
Now, his chance to play in two major tournaments this summer depends on staying in his current position in the world rankings for one more week.
Do you think Michael Kim can hold his top-50 ranking and secure both major starts? Let us know in the comments!
Trending slideshow: The Many Sides of Michael Kim: From Quiet Talent to Golf’s Funniest Twitter Voice
Aditi Singh
The Many Sides of Michael Kim: From Quiet Talent to Golf’s Funniest Twitter Voice“Coming into the day I told myself, ‘It’s your birthday. Try and have as stress-free a day as possible.’” Michael Kim has never shied from making his feelings known. His X (formerly Twitter) moments are hilarious, but that’s not what defines this golf star. His journey from rising star to unexpected slump and global resurgence is filled with turns that make the rest of his story impossible to skip. Ken Murray/Icon Sportswire/ImagoBorn in Seoul in 1993, Kim moved to California when he was seven. The family chose Del Mar as home, and his new surroundings shaped his love for sports. His father introduced him and his older brother Richard Kim to golf soon after they arrived. But that was just the beginning. Geoff Burke/ImagoHe played high school golf at Torrey Pines in 2010, where he learned the discipline needed to build a long career. He practiced often on the South Course, using an affordable junior pass that allowed him to play multiple rounds each month. Regular exposure to a championship-level layout helped him understand course management early. His improvement during these years positioned him for top collegiate programs. Imago/Icon SMIAfter graduating from high school, Kim joined the University of California, Berkeley. The program gave him strong competition and teammates like Max Homa, which elevated his performance. He adapted quickly to the demands of collegiate tournaments and showed the potential to become one of the nation’s most reliable scorers. His time at Berkeley became the foundation of his breakthrough season in 2013. Romeo Guzman/CSM/ZUMA Press Wire/ImagoThe 2013 season turned him into a national standout. He won the Haskins Award, the Nicklaus Award, and the Golfstat Cup while leading Cal to one of its most successful stretches. He became the first player in school history to receive these honors. These honors were just the beginning. He was moving to the big leagues. Mike Wiss/SPP/ImagoKim earned a place at the 2013 U.S. Open at Merion and delivered a standout performance. He finished T17 at nine over to secure low amateur honors. During the third round, he briefly rose into the top three, showing that his game could compete with seasoned professionals. The week gave him confidence, media recognition, and momentum as he prepared for the next step in his career. Ric Tapia/Icon Sportswire/ImagoHe turned professional after the 2013 fall semester. He debuted at the Farmers Insurance Open in his hometown, which felt like a natural transition rather than a rushed decision. He believed he had achieved everything possible at the collegiate level. Beginning his journey on the Web.com Tour helped him understand travel demands and weekly consistency. These experiences set the stage for his move to the PGA Tour. Rafael Suanes/ImagoAfter two seasons on the Web.com Tour, Kim finished 13th on the 2015 money list. That result guaranteed his PGA Tour card for the following season. The achievement reflected persistence and gradual improvement rather than one breakout moment. He entered 2016 prepared for stronger fields and a more demanding schedule. His disciplined approach allowed him to settle into life as a full-time PGA Tour professional. Stefano Di Maria/Golffile.ie/ImagoKim secured his first PGA Tour win at the 2018 John Deere Classic. He shot 27 under at TPC Deere Run to set the tournament scoring record and win by eight shots. That week demonstrated full command over his game. Every facet worked smoothly, and he built a lead that kept growing. This win earned him a spot in The Open and marked a major milestone in his career. Golffile Fran Caffrey/EDI/ImagoThe year following his breakthrough win was unexpectedly difficult. Kim missed the cut in 25 consecutive cuts on the PGA Tour start. His confidence dipped, and his game lost its usual stability. The struggles eventually cost him his card. Despite the setback, he stayed committed to rebuilding rather than stepping away. Steve Flynn/EDI/ImagoKim worked steadily to recover his form and eventually regained his PGA Tour card for the 2022 23 season. His return came through improved ball striking and a clearer understanding of how to manage off weeks. The comeback reminded many of the mental resilience required at the highest level. Once back on tour, he began sharing more insights online, which strengthened his connection with fans. Golffile Fran Caffrey/EDI/ImagoKim built a large following by discussing the realities of professional golf. He explained travel expenses, preparation habits, and the emotional swings of competition. In 2024, he revealed he had spent more than 92 thousand dollars on travel while covering over 40 thousand miles. Fans appreciated the transparency. His posts helped shape a more honest conversation about what life on tour actually demands. Golffile Thos Caffrey/EDI/ImagoIn September 2025, Michael Kim captured the title at the FedEx Open de France with a closing 65 to finish at 16-under. He edged out Jeong Weon Ko and Elvis Smylie by a single stroke, marking his first victory on the DP World Tour. IMAGO / Andre EngelmannIn 2025, Michael Kim posted solid finishes across international tournaments: he tied for 9th at the DP World India Championship (-16, 272) and tied for 32nd at the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship (-14, 274). These results helped keep him inside the top 40 of the Race to Dubai standings and underscored his ability to compete across varied conditions, grasses and global venues. Gray Siegel/ZUMA Press Wire/ImagoKim was raised in California but maintained a strong connection to his birthplace. He has taken multiple trips back to Korea to spend time with his extended family. During one visit, he practiced to prepare for an early-season start despite planning a break. His background shaped both his identity and his calm approach to competition.
You might also like: Tiger Woods’ Greatest Match Play Performance Ever
Golffile Param Singh/EDI/ImagoKim now lives in Texas and continues to build his career with patience and clarity. His results in 2025 show a player who understands how to handle competitive pressure and travel demands. With renewed form and a strong worldwide presence, he remains one of golf’s most thoughtful voices and reliable performers.
Another topic that might interest you: 25 Must-Know Facts About Jesper Svensson: All About the DP World Tour Pro Imago/AFLOSPORT
