Michael Kim Reveals PGA Tour Secrets: Off-Season Testing, Equipment Deals & Financial Struggles

Join us as we sit down with PGA Tour pro Michael Kim to discuss his insights on life as a professional golfer. From off-season testing and equipment selection to the realities of club deals and financial pressures rookies face, this is a must-watch for any golf fan. Learn how pros decide what clubs make it into their bag, why confidence can override launch monitor data, and what it takes to turn a profit on tour. Whether you’re a weekend hacker or an aspiring pro, Michael’s candid revelations will give you a behind-the-scenes look at the business of golf.

Chapters:
0:00 – Introduction
1:30 – Off-Season Testing & Club Selection
5:45 – The Business Side of Equipment Deals
10:20 – Financial Pressures on Tour
15:00 – Rookie Year Lessons & Budgeting Tips

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A debate over Keegan Bradley’s struggles with Bryson Desambo has sparked fierce discussions in golf circles and Giani Magiako argues that Brandle Shambli isn’t entirely wrong in pointing out the issue. This conversation reveals a deeper truth. Even top tier players face challenges that aren’t always obvious. But here’s where it gets controversial. Many overlook how offseason testing and equipment choices shape a player’s performance. Let’s dive into what Michael Kim, a PGA Tour veteran, shares about balancing gear, deals, and the financial realities of the game. Michael Kim recently wrapped up one of his most successful seasons on the PGA Tour, finishing 31st in the FedEx Cup standings. While he narrowly missed a spot at the Tour Championship, his journey offers insight into the gritty world of professional golf. known for his candid social media posts. https.com mike_kim714. Michael sat down with Giani to discuss everything from equipment testing to the pressure of making ends meet. Here’s what he revealed. Offseason testing club selection, Giani. Congratulations on your stellar season. You’ve mentioned that driving and putting held you back from cracking the top 50. How do you balance improving these weaknesses with experimenting with new equipment during the off season? Michael, every year I dedicate a few days to testing clubs, especially when I feel something isn’t working. This season I’ve been happy with my current setup, but I’m curious about shorter drivers and zero torque putters. My goal is to find a balance between accuracy and performance. Giani, if fans could watch a real offseason testing session, what would surprise them most about how pros decide what goes into their bags? Michael, the first few shots matter a lot. I often hand the club back to my fitter after two shots if it doesn’t feel right. It’s not just about numbers, it’s about how the club feels in my hands. Giani, when monitor data clashes with what I feel on the course, which do I trust more? And has that ever backfired? Michael oncourse feedback is usually more reliable. I can tweak a club on the range, but once it’s on the course, things change. For example, a new driver setting worked great in practice, but failed in the WM Phoenix Open. I had to switch back to my old setup mid- tournament. Equipment deals, the business side. Giani, do agents often play companies against each other in equipment deals, and how does that feel from your perspective? Michael, I don’t get involved in the negotiations, but my agent keeps me informed when we’re close to a deal. I prioritize signing with a company I trust, even if it means sacrificing some flexibility in the contract, Giani. Beyond the paycheck, what part of an equipment deal matters most to you? Michael, the driver is non-negotiable. It’s the heart of every deal, and companies rarely allow flexibility there. I’ve signed with titleist early in my career and those deals still hold value today. Financial pressures on tour. Giani, at what point does financial strain from missed cuts start affecting a player’s confidence or performance, especially for rookies? Michael, for most players, the pressure is immediate. Even if you’re a rookie, losing money can make you play conservatively. I’ve never worried about cash flow, but many players on the corn ferry tour struggle with expenses. Giani, when form dips and income drops, what’s the first budget line you cut? Michael, I never had a big teen, so I cut private physio sessions. It’s an extra cost, but with tour employed physios, it wasn’t a huge hit. Still, having a private physio is a luxury, not a necessity, Giani, looking back, what was the biggest financial shock you faced as a rookie? Michael, staying in cheap hotels early on was a hidden cost. I once stayed in a $300 per day hotel for a qualifier while a friend split an Airbnb with others for less. It’s a lesson in managing expenses. Final thought. If endorsement money vanished tomorrow, how many pros could still profit from tournament prize money alone? The answer might surprise you, but here’s the question. Would you still play if you couldn’t earn a living from your craft? Ship your thoughts in the comments. What’s your take on this?