“ Bottke coached Brooks as a young kid , and he taught me how to teach the game of golf ,” said Kim , who , when he began his adventure on the greens , impressively managed to score in the high 70s . Fast forward several months , and Kim realized he was on to something .
“ I knew I wanted to be in golf and knew I could teach the game to others ,” he explained .
Kim worked tirelessly to get to where he is today . In the beginning phase of his journey , it was common for him to hit upwards of 400 golf balls a day . He became a Section Associate in 2000 , at which time he began teaching at Sykes / Lady Overland Park Golf Club . He was hired by then Head Pro Tim Ellison to teach kids ages 8-17 . Over the years , Kim has been a strong influence on the success of his students , which include the following front runners :
prefers one-on-one coaching , as that is when he really gets to impart his wisdom , both from the game and from life , upon his students .
“ Golf is something you can enjoy by yourself ,” he said , smiling . “ You can play alone or with anyone and have a good time . It is also a contact sport , in that it is a great way to network and meet people . It is more than just the game . It is about life .”
One item in particular that Kim has taken to heart and has learned from his students is the world of social media . Most recently , Kim , on the advisement of one of his junior students , created his own Instagram account : @ jbkimgolf . He enjoys using this platform to share his knowledge and interview famous golfers to share their insights , such as legendary golfer Nancy Lopez .
“ My job is to educate ,” Kim reflected . “ History is such an important part of my life , and I believe the history others share with us is so important .”
Kim also tips his hat to golf professional Curt Nelson , Kim ’ s boss and General manager at MGMCO , Inc , dba Overland Park Golf Division , who serves as Kim ’ s mentor .
“ Curt is a big part of my success , encouraging my continued learning and always supporting me with what I want to do to improve my knowledge of the game ,” explained Kim .
Above photo ( on left ) is Ryan Lee as a University of Chicago freshman with his 2020 Midwest PGA Student Athlete award . In the photo on the right is Lee ’ s golf instructor JB Kim . Lee was also the AJGA Champion ( 2020 ); 5A MO State Champion ( 2021 , 2019 ); Midwest PGA Junior Champion ( 2021 ); Kansas Junior Amateur Champion ( 2021 ).
Above photo on right is Claire Sullivan , an Olathe Northwest High school sophomore with her 2022 Midwest PGA Student Athlete Award . Her instructor JB Kim is on the right . Sullivan is also a fivetime KCJT / KJT winner ( 2022 ).
It is Kim ’ s innovative style to which students and their parents are drawn . His expectations are high , almost military-like in his methods . Discipline becomes a lifestyle for his students . It ’ s all about consistent practice .
“ Aspiring young golfers need to do this to be successful ,” he advised .
The passion Kim brings to the game is palpable . A student at heart , he claims he is still learning more each day , and that is how it should be .
“ I ’ m still figuring out my own game ,” he said . “ I am blessed to learn a lot from my students , too .”
To that end , Kim ’ s daily calendar is full of opportunities for learning and growth for both coach and student alike .
“ I taught 2,200 lessons last year [ 2022 ] and usually teach over 2,000 lessons a year ,” said Kim , who does coach groups of kids , but much
Off the course , Kim enjoys time with his wife and two kids , who are , of course , his main source of inspiration .
Kim has definitely written some amazing chapters in his life , creating his own book of history from which others can learn . Kim is well on his way to penning quite the page-turner , not only for himself but for those he coaches and inspires . Many of his students stay with him for many years . However , what he imparts upon them undoubtedly stays with them for a lifetime .
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Ann Butenas is a contributing writer for the Midwest Section PGA . For more information about the Midwest Section PGA , call 816.229.6493 or visit www . midwest . pga . com .
TeeTimesMagazine . com TEE TIMES GOLF GUIDE April 2023 13