The world of professional golf has seen a rise in talented Asian players making their mark on the PGA Tour. In 2024, several Asian golfers have shown exceptional skills and achieved remarkable success. Let’s take a closer look at 10 of the top Asian professional golfers who have been making waves on the PGA Tour this year.
1. Hideki Matsuyama (Japan)
Hideki Matsuyama continues to be the shining star of Asian golf in 2024. The 32-year-old Japanese player has had an outstanding year, winning twice on the PGA Tour. His victories at the Genesis Invitational in February and the FedEx St. Jude Championship in August have cemented his position as the most successful Asian player in PGA Tour history, with a total of 10 career victories. Matsuyama’s achievements go beyond just winning tournaments. He finished tied for ninth in the FedExCup standings and ended the year as the World No. 6 ranked player. Adding to his impressive year, Matsuyama also won a bronze medal at the Paris Olympics, showcasing his skills on the global stage.
2. Sungjae Im (South Korea)
Although there were no Korean winners on the PGA Tour this season, Sungjae Im stood out with his consistent performances. Im qualified for the FedExCup Playoffs Finale, the Tour Championship, which is only open to the top 30 players. He finished seventh in Atlanta, marking his sixth straight Tour Championship appearance since joining the Tour in 2019. Im’s ability to consistently perform at a high level has made him one of the most reliable Asian players on the Tour. His steady play and numerous top finishes have kept him in the spotlight throughout the year.
3. Byeong Hun An (South Korea)
Joining Sungjae Im in the Tour Championship was Byeong Hun An. An had a career-best season, finishing 21st in the FedExCup standings. His performance throughout the year included five top-10 finishes and six top-25 finishes, showing his ability to compete with the best players in the world. An’s consistent play and improvement over the years have made him a player to watch, and his success in 2024 suggests he may be on the verge of breaking through for his first PGA Tour victory.
4. Si Woo Kim (South Korea)
Si Woo Kim had another solid year on the PGA Tour, finishing 32nd in the FedExCup standings. While he didn’t secure a victory this season, Kim’s consistent play kept him in contention at several tournaments. Kim was also a key member of the International Team at the Presidents Cup, where he delivered some memorable moments against the United States Team at Royal Montreal. His experience and skill make him a valuable asset to Asian golf on the international stage.
5. Tom Kim (South Korea)
Despite being one of the younger players on this list, Tom Kim has already made a name for himself on the PGA Tour. Finishing 59th in the FedExCup standings, Kim showed flashes of brilliance throughout the year. Like Si Woo Kim, Tom Kim was also part of the International Team at the Presidents Cup. His youthful energy and potential have many golf fans excited about his future in the sport.
6. Kevin Yu (Chinese Taipei)
Kevin Yu made history in 2024 by becoming only the third golfer from Chinese Taipei to win on the PGA Tour. His victory at the Sanderson Farms Championship in October was a dream come true for the young player. Yu’s win not only marked a personal milestone but also inspired a new generation of golfers in Chinese Taipei. Following his victory, Yu hosted his first elite golf camp, giving back to junior golfers and sharing his experiences with them.
7. Rikuya Hoshino (Japan)
Rikuya Hoshino is one of the rising stars of Japanese golf who will be joining the PGA Tour in 2025. Hoshino earned his way through the DP World Tour Top-10, showcasing his skills on the European circuit before making the jump to the PGA Tour. His success in 2024 has built excitement for his debut on the PGA Tour, with many expecting him to follow in Matsuyama’s footsteps and find success in America.
8. Kaito Onishi (Japan)
Another Japanese player set to join the PGA Tour in 2025 is Kaito Onishi. Onishi secured his PGA Tour card by finishing in the top 30 on the Korn Ferry Tour Points List, proving his ability to compete at a high level consistently. Onishi’s success on the Korn Ferry Tour in 2024 has set the stage for what could be an exciting PGA Tour career.
9. Takumi Kanaya (Japan)
Completing the trio of Japanese players earning their PGA Tour cards for 2025 is Takumi Kanaya. Kanaya took a different route to the PGA Tour, finishing in the top five at the Final Stage of PGA Tour Q-School. Kanaya’s success in Q-School demonstrates his ability to perform under pressure, a skill that will serve him well on the PGA Tour.
10. C.T. Pan (Chinese Taipei)
While C.T. Pan may not have had his best year in 2024, his past success and experience on the PGA Tour make him a player to watch. Pan, who won the RBC Heritage in 2019, continues to be an important figure in Asian golf. His presence on the Tour and his past achievements serve as inspiration for up-and-coming golfers from Chinese Taipei and across Asia.
Conclusion
The success of these players in 2024 shows the growing strength of Asian golf on the world stage. With established stars like Hideki Matsuyama leading the way and a new generation of talented players emerging, the future looks bright for Asian golfers on the PGA Tour. As more young players from countries like Japan, South Korea, and Chinese Taipei make their way to the PGA Tour, we can expect to see even more exciting performances and historic achievements in the years to come. The success of these players not only brings pride to their home countries but also inspires young golfers across Asia to pursue their dreams of competing at the highest level of professional golf.