Youngster Kim popular on PGA Tour
By Andrew Both PA SportsTicker Golf Writer
IRVING, Texas (Ticker) - Anthony Kim is the youngest rookie on the PGA Tour this year. He’s also one of the best, if not the most popular.
The 21-year-old is a healthy 36th on the money list, and he took another step in the right direction with a 4-under-par 66 in the second round at the EDS Byron Nelson Championship on Friday.
“I’m starting to learn the ropes a little better and a couple of putts are starting to fall,” said Kim, who is at 4-under 136, just three shots off the lead through 36 holes.
“I finally gave myself a good opportunity with two days to go. I feel like I’m a pretty good weekend player and I’ve closed a number of tournaments, so I’m just going out there with the same attitude.”
It’s no secret that Kim’s cockiness does not sit particularly well with some of the more experienced players on tour.
“A couple of guys out here, I think they’re a little threatened that there’s someone at 21 coming out taking some of their money,” he said. “If you’re insecure, you’re going to lash out at some people (and) I’ve been lashed out at a couple of times. I’m not afraid of any of these little cliques that they’ve got out here.
“There are some people out here that treat other golfers a little bit better than they do the rookies, but there’s only a small percentage of them. A large percentage take you in and show you the ropes.”
Kim, born in Los Angeles and now living in Dallas, was a member of the victorious 2005 American Walker Cup team, and he made a stunning debut with a tie for second in his first PGA Tour start at last year’s Texas Open.
He makes no secret of his desire to be the world’s best player, and while his performances so far this year don’t quite match the feats of Tiger Woods in his first year as a professional, they are impressive.
“I’m not going to be afraid of being the best player in the world,” Kim said. “I’m not making any predictions this week, but if there’s nine holes to go, I’ll be ready.
“When it comes down to it, at the end, I’m know I’m going to win the tournament.”
