Every golfer has a memorable story to share, and Si Woo Kim is no exception. The 29-year-old PGA Tour winner recently recounted a nerve-wracking encounter with golf superstar Dustin Johnson. During his debut at Pebble Beach, Kim found himself unexpectedly paired with Johnson for a practice round, a moment that left him visibly shaken. For a young golfer trying to establish himself on the tour, standing face-to-face with one of the sport’s biggest names was an unforgettable experience.
Kim recalled how he was preparing to take his first tee shot when he suddenly felt Johnson’s presence behind him. Turning around to see the two-time major champion, Kim was overcome with nerves. He admitted, “I was shaking,” as he tried to compose himself for the practice round. The experience was both humbling and exciting, highlighting the awe that rising stars often feel when competing alongside their idols.
At the time, Kim had just earned his PGA Tour card but faced an unexpected delay in competing due to a technicality. This added to the pressure of his encounter with Johnson, as he was still adjusting to the professional circuit. Reflecting on that moment, Kim acknowledged how surreal it was to transition from competing against high school players to sharing the course with elite golfers.
Beyond Johnson, Kim has also spoken about his admiration for other top golfers, including Rory McIlroy. Playing alongside McIlroy left such an impression on Kim that he jokingly admitted it made him want to quit the sport. Despite these daunting experiences, Kim continues to learn from the best, proving that even the most talented players go through moments of awe and intimidation on their path to success.
