PGA TOUR Q-School is underway, and Chan Kim is leading the way after an inspiring Round 1 performance. Kim, a seasoned pro, shares his story of resilience and a clear mind. After a challenging 2025 season, marked by personal struggles and a newborn’s health scare, Kim aims to reclaim his PGA TOUR status.
We delve into his journey, from international wins to major championships, and his focus on the PGA TOUR. Despite setbacks, Kim’s determination shines through. Join us as we explore his path, including his daughter’s homecoming and his renewed clarity.
Also, we highlight other notable players’ stories, including Greyson Sigg, Michael Feagles, and Luke Gutschewski, as they battle for their PGA TOUR dreams. Don’t miss this inside look at Q-School and the players’ journeys.
The PGA Tour Q School presented by Kornferryy kicked off with a powerful story of resilience and family. Chon Kim, a seasoned golfer, emerged as the first round leader, but his journey to this point has been far from easy. With a clear mind and a newfound perspective, Kim is ready to reclaim his place on the PGA Tour. But first, let’s rewind to the beginning of 2025. Kim, a 35-year-old veteran, started the year on a high note, securing his first career top five finish at the Valero Texas Open and following it up with AT7 at the Corales Pontakana Championship. It seemed like he was destined for success on the PGA Tour. However, a shocking turn of events unfolded as Kim missed 11 cuts in his next 14 starts, leaving him in a state of uncertainty. And here’s where it gets personal. As Kim’s golf game struggled, his life off the course took an emotional turn. His first child, daughter Jenna, was born during the Worldwide Technology Championship, but the joy was short-lived. Jenna was immediately hospitalized for a month due to complications, and doctors warned of a potentially dire situation. Kim’s focus shifted from the golf course to his family, and understandably so. I had a pretty rough end of the season. It’s weird. We had our first child and she was in the hospital for a month. Kim reflected. The stress of his daughter’s health understandably affected his game. As he admitted, “I was so focused on that that nothing else really mattered. His thoughts during tournaments kept drifting back to the mechanics of his swing, hindering his performance. Kim’s golf journey has been a winding road. He turned pro in 2010 and dominated the international scene, especially on the Japan Golf Tour, where he secured eight wins, including three in 2017. He even finished T11 at the Open Championship in 2017. After a back injury sidelined him for a year, he bounced back with six top three finishes in 2019 and claimed the Japan Open Golf Championship title. In 2022, he set his sights on the PGA Tour, finishing second at Q School final stage. Now, with his daughter finally home and healthy, Kim is ready to finish what he started. He’s off to a strong start at the Q School, leading after round one. If he maintains his position in the top five through the weekend, he’ll secure full status on the 2026 PGA Tour. A remarkable comeback story. The competition is fierce, though. Grayson Sig, a former Georgia Bulldog, is buying for his full-time status after a drop in the FedEx Cup rankings. Michael Feeles, a University of Illinois alum, carded an impressive five birdies and a bogey. Luke Gutchki, fresh out of Iowa State, hopes to follow in his father’s footsteps and make it to the PGA Tour. AJ Uward, after a near miss on the PGA Tour America’s Points list, earned his cornfairy tour status at final stage. The corn ferry tour bubble adds another layer of intrigue. Players finishing in the top 40 in ties will earn membership for the 2026 season with reshuffles determining their positions. Notable names like Hayden Springer, Kyle West Morland, Camilo Viegas, Alejandro Toasty, and Zack Blair are all in the mix, each with their own unique stories. As the Q school unfolds, the question remains, will Chong Kim’s newfound clarity and family support propel him back to the PGA Tour? And what about the other contenders? Who will secure their cards and fulfill their dreams? The drama is building and the golf world is watching with baited breath. Stay tuned for more updates as the tournament progresses.
