STUDENT SPOTLIGHT – DANIEL KIM

Daniel Kim, son of USGTF member Micah Kim from Mukilteo, Washington, started golf at 7 years old. His brother was 10, and they started at the same time. The goal was to go out and have fun as a family. Once Daniel started playing, he wanted to become a tournament golfer. Micah, who wasn’t a USGTF member at the time, told him to practice every day and take lessons.

Eventually Micah signed up for a USGTF certification class conducted by now-USGTF president and CEO Brandon Lee so he could better teach his son. Daniel achieved a lot of success in state and local tournaments under his father’s tutelage. He often finished in the top three and played high school golf where his team won the 4A state championship his freshman year. He finished second individually in the state his junior year, and upon graduation played collegiately for Washington State. After his sophomore year, he transferred to Gonzaga University.

Even though he is an accomplished golfer, grades are his number one priority. He studies computer data analysis, and although academic achievement is his current main priority, he wants to try to play golf at the next level. His dad Micah’s coaching philosophy for golf is for kids to have fun playing with their parents and friends, and then tournament golf if desired. He also believes golf, being an athletic sport, requires a strong body, and time management is a huge key. According to Micah, these are crucial in achieving success as a player.