Yorba Linda’s rising star: Carson Kim shines at Georgia Tech
YORBA LINDA, Calif. — At just 19 years old, Carson Kim has already made a significant mark in the world of golf. As a sophomore at Georgia Tech, he is not only a standout athlete but also a young man of character, driven by personal goals and guided by a deep love for the game.
Carson’s athletic career is decorated with numerous standout moments. He made it to the final four at the NCAA National Championship, represented the USA in the Junior Presidents Cup, and was named a First Team Rolex All-American and Rolex Scholastic All-American. Additionally, he received the Junior Byron Nelson Award and represented the West Coast in the Wyndham Cup. Among these achievements, the Junior Byron Nelson Award stands out as his proudest accomplishment, as it recognizes not only athletic prowess but also excellence in academics, character, and community service.
Carson’s journey in golf began thanks to his older brother, who introduced him to the sport. With the unwavering support of his parents and guidance from his swing coach Josh Park, mentors like JT Higgins, and his coaches at Georgia Tech, Carson has grown both as a golfer and a person.
“I’ve been blessed to have people around me who care more about Carson the person than Carson the golfer,” Carson reflects.
However, the journey is not without its challenges.
“The biggest challenge in golf is to continue to grind and work hard every day,” Carson shares.
Golf demands long hours and a sustained, focused mindset. To manage this, Carson sets both short-term and long-term goals, keeping his motivation and dedication high. Carson’s immediate goals are ambitious yet attainable: becoming an All-American and All-ACC golfer, and winning the NCAA Championship, a title Georgia Tech narrowly missed last year. Long term, Carson dreams of playing and winning on the PGA Tour.
Carson carries with him the best advice he’s ever received: “Have fun with golf.” This advice isn’t about taking the game lightly but about not stressing over bad shots and missed putts.
“Golf is not a game of perfection; it is about how to make the best of every shot,” he explains.
His personal motto, “It’s good to do well, but it’s better to do good,” reflects his belief in striving for excellence while being kind, generous, and helpful to others.
What Carson loves most about golf is how it brings people together and builds friendships. Some of his best memories and friendships have been formed on the golf course. This camaraderie and sense of community are what make the sport special to him.
Outside of golf, Carson enjoys spending time with friends and embracing life’s moments. He describes himself as a friendly and happy person who loves making others smile and finding the positive in every situation. This positive outlook extends to his approach on the golf course, where he has learned that perfection is not the goal. Instead, he focuses on making the best of each situation and mistake and controlling his mindset and attitude.
While golf is a significant part of Carson’s life, it does not define him. He values his faith, friendships, and family above all. He wants his Yorba Linda community to know that he is more than just a golfer; he is someone who strives to make a positive impact on and off the course.
Carson Kim’s journey encompasses hard work, dedication, and a positive attitude. As he continues to pursue his dreams at Georgia Tech and beyond, there is no doubt that he will achieve great things, both as a golfer and as a remarkable individual.
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