Teen star Kim keen to make impact on PGA

English teenager Kris Kim will try to combine GCSE revision and competing in his first PGA Tour event in the CJ Cup Byron Nelson.

Kim, whose mother JiHyun Suh played on the LPGA Tour in the 1990s, is seen as the top prospect in English men’s golf and had a starring role in Europe’s victory in last year’s Junior Ryder Cup.

The 16-year-old was unbeaten on his debut in Rome after a season that also saw him win the Boys’ Amateur Championship, European Boys’ Individual Championship and the McGregor Trophy.

After an invitation to play at TPC Craig Ranch via his sponsors the CJ Group, Kim will now join a field with the likes of Jordan Spieth, Jason Day and Adam Scott.

“I’m so excited to tee it up in Texas,” Kim said. “It’s what you work towards all the time and it’s an amazing opportunity.

“I can’t wait to play in front of big crowds again. I’ve never hit the ball as far as I did at the Ryder Cup. The adrenalin rush makes golf so much fun.

“That said, having played that course... I appreciate the task ahead and look forward to the challenge.”

As for his exams, Kim said: “I am trying to revise, I promise, but it’s quite tough. My schedule is quite busy right now.”

Kim says he will lean on his mother, who is also his coach, for advice, but insists he’s not there just to enjoy a first taste of the PGA Tour.

“My first aim is to make the cut and then see what happens,” he said. “At the end of the day I’m one of 144 competitors and we’ve all got a chance.

“Whatever happens, I’ll gain so much experience.

“I know I’m still young and pretty much every week I learn a lesson, but this week is going to be a lot bigger.”

Kris Kim will get his first taste of the PGA Tour.