From Summer Camp to College Offers, Kim Becomes Top Golfer

by Marissa Harris ‘22

Bryan Kim swings at the 2021 Team Taylormade Invitational

 At just 11 years old, Junior Bryan Kim began his golf journey to now be ranked 14th nationally, 18 and under, in the American Junior Golf Association rankings. In addition to the Sherwood golf team, Kim competes in individual tournament golf that are 54 to 72 holes as opposed to nine holes that are typical for high school matches. He is already in contact with college coaches. Not bad for someone who started playing golf at a summer kids camp at Northwest Golf Course. 

Kim started taking golf more seriously in the summer going into 8th grade. “I love the game of golf because it’s so mentally challenging, and it’s also an individual sport meaning you are fully accountable and responsible for whatever you do,” said Kim. 

In the summers, he practices almost every day at Argyle Country Club in Silver Spring. During the school year, Kim’s hard work does not stop. In September, he attended the 2021 AJGA Jr. Players at TPC Sawgrass in Florida, a very famous course, and tied for 9th place. In October, Kim will travel to Oklahoma to participate in the AJGA Ping Invitational. 

“Bryan’s mental abilities on the golf course are well beyond your average high school athlete. This is what makes him unlike any other player I have coached,” explained Sherwood golf coach Thomas Nakamura. 

College coaches do not look at high school golf athletes as much as they look at those who do tournament play. However, recruiters do attend the District and State tournaments. As a freshman, Kim qualified for the State tournament and as a sophomore, he placed second in the entire state. “Bryan has a strong possibility of winning the district and state tournament this year,” said Nakamura. 

Kim wants to go professional if he can after getting a four-year degree. The NCAA allowed colleges to start talking to 2023 athletes this past June. So far Kim has been talking to Florida, Georgia Tech, Duke, UNC-Chapel Hill, Illinois, NC State, and Louisville. He is going to visit these schools and others this fall and commit at the end of this year or early next year. 

In addition to his own successes, Kim has had a positive impact on his teammates. He is close with many of Sherwood’s golf team members. “I really like the way he reflects the rounds of golf that he plays with his teammates. The conversations about the golf course, management, and shots are excellent learning opportunities for all team members,” said Nakamura. Kim has stayed focused and consistent for years. This is only the beginning for him.