At the 2018 D+D REAL Czech Challenge, Minkyu Kim made history by becoming the youngest winner of a European Tour or European Challenge Tour event.
At 17 years and 64 days old, Kim displayed poise in a final round where he began in front, fell behind, and then went eight under par on the final 12 holes of the tournament to win by three.
Now, the South Korean is back in the country where he claimed that maiden victory and he has reflected on that win, as well as what it was like growing up in Korea.
Q: It was a positive first season on the Challenge Tour for you last year, how do you reflect on it now you’re in to your second season?
A: I played pretty well last season on the whole. There were a few bad tournaments for me where I missed the cut, but the season was mostly good. It was a really good experience for me.
Q: Do you remember how you felt when you became the youngest ever winner at the D+D REAL Czech Challenge?
A: I was like ‘wow, is this a dream?’. I could not believe it. I am the youngest winner on the Challenge Tour and it honestly doesn’t seem real. I could never have expected to win, especially in my first season.
Q: What’s it like returning to the Czech Republic now, as a winner?
A: I feel better than I did last year because I have great memories from being in this country. I feel positive going into this week because I feel comfortable here, even though it is a different course and tournament.
Q: How is your game shaping up after two tournaments of the season?
A: I feel like my game is really good and it’s getting better. I’m really looking forward to the season on the Challenge Tour. I think I need more consistency in my game to play well this year. If I do that, I think I can make the top 15.
Q: You are a long way from home, do you like travelling with the Challenge Tour?
A: I enjoy travelling in Europe but I sometimes get pretty tired because I travel on my own a lot. I knew it was going to be like that, so I am not surprised and it is what I expected.
Q: How often do you get to travel back to South Korea?
A: I don’t manage to go home that often, but I am going back after this tournament. I am going to have three weeks off from playing on the Challenge Tour and visit home for some down time.
Q: What are the practice facilities like in South Korea?
A: I practice a lot when I go home, but not necessarily in Korea. I spent two months in Malaysia over the winter and practiced there.
Q: What was it like growing up in Korea and trying to become a professional golfer?
A: It is much easier to practice in Europe. In Korea, it is a little uncomfortable for players because it is difficult to practice in good conditions and well-maintained grasses. It’s difficult to practice your short game. There was a course nearby my home, thankfully.
Q: What are your goals for this year?
A: My goal is to finish in the top 15 this year. That would be really, really good.
