News
Meet the Pro
JB KIM from South Korean Military Special Forces to Midwest Section PGA Teacher of the Year and More …
by Ann E . Butenas , contributing writer
It ’ s aspiring golfers , most notably in the junior arena .
been said discipline is the bridge between one ’ s goals and one ’ s accomplishments . Midwest Section PGA member JB Kim has been a bridge for many
Upon first meeting Kim , if you sense a driven , dedicated , inspiring , and goal-oriented individual , then please don ’ t abandon that initial conclusion .
Kim , a native of South Korea who served in the South Korean military for three years in Special Forces , brings his own unique force to the game of golf , propelling him to greater heights within the industry . Kim ’ s resume is peppered with a host of esteemed accomplishments that immediately set the stage for respect , integrity , and trust . He became the first PGA Certified Instructor in the State of Kansas ; the students he has coached in the past five years have gone on to win 30-plus junior tournaments ; and his notable certifications include SNAG Certified Coach , First Tee Certified Coach , U . S . Kids Golf Certified Coach , PGA American Development Model , TPI Junior and Golf Mechanics Level 2 , and AimPoint Certified Coach .
Kim has also been honored as the Midwest Section ’ s Teacher of the Year for 2018 and 2020 . His list of achievements continues to grow , but what is expressly unique about Kim is his unwavering passion and love of the game , which truly makes him a standout on the course . As a Class A PGA Certified Head Instructor , Kim most recently took first place at the Midwest Section PGA Senior Championship . True to his heart of service , Kim donated his winnings to the Midwest PGA Foundation .
“ Fellow Section member Randy Towner and I actually tied in this event , and we both decided to donate our winnings ,” recalled Kim .
JB Kim ( on right ) has been honored as the Midwest Section PGA Teacher of the Year for 2018 and 2020 . His list of achievements continues to grow . Kim credits much of his success to his boss , golf professional Curt Nelson , general manager ( on left ) of the Overland Park Golf Division , who continues to serve as Kim ’ s mentor .
Impressive as that is , it is the path that Kim has traveled to get where he is today that truly crafts his story . Until age 25 , golf was not even on his radar . When he was young , he was quite athletic and excelled in myriad sports , including baseball , tennis , and ping pong . However , fate entered the picture when Kim was in his mid-20s . He was in Jupiter , FL , at the time and met Warren Bottke , PGA Master Professional and coach to American professional golfer Brooks Koepka .
12 April 2023 TEE TIMES GOLF GUIDE