How did Chan Kim rise from a young golfer in Arizona to the top of Japan’s professional golf circuit and a PGA TOUR card? Born on March 24, 1990, Kim turns 36 in 2026 and is best known for becoming the 2023 Japan Golf Tour Organization Order of Merit winner, a result that helped secure his place on the PGA TOUR.
This Chan Kim Biography covers his age, birthplace, hometown, family background, wife, children, college golf career, professional wins, and path through the Japan Golf Tour and PGA TOUR.
Chan Kim Biography: Quick Facts
| Name | Chan Kim |
|---|---|
| Date of birth | March 24, 1990 |
| Age in 2026 | 36 years old, beginning March 24, 2026 |
| Birthplace | Suwon, South Korea |
| Hometown / Residence | Gilbert, Arizona, United States |
| Nationality | South Korean-American |
| College | Arizona State University |
| Turned professional | 2010 |
| Major tours | PGA TOUR, Japan Golf Tour Organization |
| Notable achievement | 2023 Japan Golf Tour Organization Order of Merit winner |
Where Is Chan Kim From?
Chan Kim was born in Suwon, South Korea, a large city located south of Seoul. He moved to the United States with his family as a child and was raised in Arizona. While Suwon is his birthplace, Gilbert, Arizona, is widely listed as his hometown and residence.
Arizona played a major role in Kim’s golf development. The state’s dry climate, year-round golf access, and competitive junior-golf environment helped him build the skills needed to compete at the collegiate and professional levels. His connection to Arizona also continued through his time at Arizona State University.
Chan Kim’s Early Life and College Golf Career
Kim developed as a golfer in the Phoenix-area junior golf scene before joining the Arizona State Sun Devils program. Arizona State has produced numerous elite players, including Phil Mickelson, Paul Casey, Jon Rahm, and Matt Jones, making it one of the most respected college golf programs in the United States.
After competing for Arizona State, Chan Kim turned professional in 2010. Like many young players, he began by playing developmental events and pursuing status on larger tours. His route to international success was not immediate, but his persistence eventually made him one of the leading players on the Japan Golf Tour.
Professional Golf Career and Japan Golf Tour Success
Chan Kim became a standout performer in Japan, where he recorded multiple victories on the Japan Golf Tour Organization circuit. His strong driving, controlled iron play, and ability to contend on demanding tournament layouts made him a consistent threat in Japan.
His most important season came in 2023. Kim finished first on the Japan Golf Tour Organization Order of Merit, the season-long money and performance ranking. That achievement was especially significant because the PGA TOUR created a pathway for leading players on selected international tours, including the JGTO, to earn PGA TOUR membership.
Kim’s success in Japan helped him earn a PGA TOUR card for the 2024 season. The milestone marked the culmination of more than a decade of professional experience across the United States, Asia, and international events.
Chan Kim PGA TOUR Career
Before becoming a full PGA TOUR member through his 2023 Japan Golf Tour performance, Kim had already gained valuable experience in American professional golf. He played on developmental tours and competed in PGA TOUR-sanctioned events while building his worldwide ranking and professional record.
His move to the PGA TOUR gave him the chance to test his game regularly against the world’s strongest fields. For golf fans following Chan Kim, his journey is notable because it shows that the Japan Golf Tour can be a powerful route to the PGA TOUR for players with international ambition.
Chan Kim Wife and Children
Chan Kim keeps much of his personal life private. As of 2026, widely available official PGA TOUR and Japan Golf Tour player biographies do not provide verified public details about his wife’s name, marriage date, or children.
For accuracy, readers should be cautious about unsourced claims on social media or celebrity-style websites regarding Chan Kim’s wife and family. Kim’s public profile is primarily focused on his golf career, tournament results, and professional achievements rather than detailed family disclosures.
Chan Kim Parents and Family Background
Information about Chan Kim’s parents is also limited in official public records. His family’s move from South Korea to the United States was important to his development, as it allowed him to grow up in Arizona’s highly competitive golf environment.
Although Kim has not extensively publicized his parents’ names or occupations, his South Korean roots and Arizona upbringing are central parts of his identity. He represents a growing group of globally developed golfers who combine international heritage with American college golf experience.
What Makes Chan Kim an Important Player to Watch?
Chan Kim’s story is defined by patience and international success. He turned professional in 2010, built a winning record in Japan, captured the 2023 JGTO Order of Merit, and earned a PGA TOUR opportunity through consistent high-level play.
For fans searching for a complete Chan Kim Biography, the key facts are clear: he was born in Suwon, South Korea, raised in Gilbert, Arizona, attended Arizona State University, turned professional at age 20, and became one of the most successful international players to transition from the Japan Golf Tour to the PGA TOUR.
