Chan Kim Shines at PGA Tour Q-School Amid Family Challenges

PONTE VEDRA BEACH, Fla. – Professional golfer Chan Kim is on a journey toward reclaiming his PGA Tour card for the 2026 season, a quest that resonates deeply as he balances the joys and challenges of fatherhood. While the 35-year-old athlete is eager to embrace diaper duties for his newborn daughter, Jenna, his immediate focus lies on succeeding at the 2025 PGA Tour Q-School.

On the first day of the Q-School held at the Dye’s Valley Course at TPC Sawgrass, Kim made a remarkable impression. He shot a bogey-free 6-under-par 64, taking a commanding one-stroke lead after the initial round. This performance has reinvigorated his aspirations of returning to the PGA Tour, a path that had been tumultuous in recent outings.

Kim’s personal life has seen dramatic changes in recent weeks, particularly following the premature birth of his daughter. Jenna arrived three weeks early, requiring hospitalization due to hydrops, a serious condition characterized by fluid accumulation. Kim expressed the emotional turmoil his family endured during these challenging weeks, highlighting the uncertainty surrounding his daughter’s health.

“Very emotional the first two weeks,” Kim remarked, noting that Jenna also had a minor blood clot in her heart. The golfer mentioned the stress that the situation placed on both him and his wife, but he shared optimistic news, celebrating the fact that Jenna was finally released from the hospital.

The timing of Jenna’s arrival posed a unique challenge for Kim, who was competing in Cabo San Lucas during the World Wide Technology Championship when she was born. His absence from this momentous occasion weighed heavily on him, especially given that he missed the cut for the 12th time in his last 15 starts on the PGA Tour.

Despite the considerable stress on the home front, Kim remained focused on his professional commitments. As Jenna was receiving care in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), he pushed through the final fall events of the PGA season, hoping to secure crucial ranking points before the year ended.

“I was so focused on that that nothing else really mattered at that point,” he admitted, reflecting on the gravity of balancing parenthood and professional golf. Yet, amid these struggles, his competitive spirit still shines. He has a rich history with Q-School, having successfully navigated through various international tours, including the Canadian, Asian, and Japan circuits.

Kim’s approach to Q-School isn’t just about finishing in the top five; it’s about winning. “At the end of the day, it’s just another tournament that you’re trying to win,” he stated, showcasing his unwavering ambition. Drawing on previous experiences, he aims not just to qualify but to thrive.

During his stellar first-round performance, Kim’s putting game was particularly sharp. He capitalized on long birdie opportunities, sinking putts from 25 and 30 feet, and even draining a remarkable 40-footer. “I missed all the easy ones, I made all the hard ones,” he quipped, showcasing both humor and a focus on the positives after a challenging day on the course.

As Kim progresses through the final rounds of Q-School, the idea of returning home to fulfill his role as a father—complete with changing diapers—fuels his determination on the course. “You know, I’ve got to find a way to make diaper money at least,” he chuckled, adding a light-hearted touch to an otherwise serious endeavor.

With three rounds left at Q-School, Chan Kim stands on the precipice of a new chapter—one that promises to blend professional ambition with personal fulfillment. Only time will tell if he can emerge victorious and secure his PGA Tour card, but for now, Kim is ready to face the challenges ahead, on and off the course.

In a world where professional golf can often be a solitary pursuit, Kim’s recent experiences have brought a profound perspective. As he strives for success on the greens, the joy of impending fatherhood adds an enriching depth to his ultimate goals. It’s a balancing act that many athletes juggle, but for Kim, the stakes are particularly high.

Ultimately, whether he stands triumphant at the conclusion of Q-School or not, Chan Kim’s journey underscores the resilience of athletes and the powerful ties that bind family and passion. His story thus far serves as an inspiring reminder that behind every athlete’s journey lies the heart of a dedicated parent intent on carving out a bright future—not just in sports, but in family life as well.