Bryan Kim had not played in a match during his first two U.S. After a six-day trip to South Carolina for the Junior Amateur, the Duke freshman is returning with the trophy.
The 18-year old outlasted Joshua Bai on the weather-delayed final 36-hole match at Daniel Island Club’s Ralston Creek Course, in Charleston, South Carolina. He won the match 2-up and joined the ranks of past champions like Tiger Woods. Johnny Miller. David Duval. Jordan Spieth. Scottie Scheffler. And recent Open winner Brian Harman.
Kim said, “It hasn’t quite sunk it yet.” Kim said, “It’s still not sunk in yet. I haven’t even made the cut for a USGA tournament. But to make it and win all six matches against these incredible competitors is just amazing.
It’s a big step-stone. It’s a huge step forward to see my name next to the big names. “I’m on the right track. I just have to keep going and I hope I will get there someday.”
Kim shot 7-under (68-69), while Bai shot 4-under 67-73, over the 36-hole match final (with concessions for match play).
After a series of storms that swept through the area Saturday, the championship match was moved to Sunday due to inclement weather. The match had been delayed by over three hours. On Saturday, more than an inch fell on the course, and Kim was leading by one hole at the time of the suspension.
What a match.
Bryan Kim is the winner of a thrilling back-and forth battle at Daniel Island Club. #USJuniorAm pic.twitter.com/GoPMEd4Ibg
USGA (@USGA July 30 2023
Kim is the 52nd player to win since Charlie Beljan (No. Kim is the lowest-seeded player (No. No. 56 in 2002. Kim and Bai will now be exempt from next month’s U.S. Kim won the Cherry Hills Country Club Amateur in Colorado and a spot at Pinehurst No. 2. The gold medal was also accompanied by exemptions for all future U.S. The Junior Amateur (if age-eligible) and the U.S. Amateur at Hazeltine National Golf Club, Chaska, Minnesota.
“I played well. “It really boosted confidence for future tournaments,” said Bai. “It just helps me to know that I am capable of competing at the highest level. I just want to congratulate Bryan. He is a great athlete and an even better human being.”
The U.S. The Junior Amateur will be held at Oakland Hills Country Club in Bloomfield Hills Michigan from July 22-27. In three years, the USGA will be returning to Daniel Island Club for the U.S. women’s amateur four-ball in 2026.
