Michael Kim’s 71 in Round 1 of the Charles Schwab Challenge 2025 wasn’t flashy—but it was solid. He demonstrated poise, managed adversity, and showed flashes of brilliance
As the tournament unfolds, rounds like this often lay the groundwork for deeper weekend runs. Stay tuned—Kim might just be getting warmed up.
While Michael Kim’s 1-over start is far from ideal, it’s also not a death sentence in a tournament where anything can happen over 72 holes. A strong second round could vault him into the mix, particularly if the leaders falter.
The margin for error is slim, but in golf, fortunes can turn quickly. With a more assertive strategy and improved putting, Kim can still make the weekend and even contend—if everything clicks.
The pressure is on, and the next 18 holes will reveal whether he’s up to the challenge.
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Michael Kim Battles for Momentum After a Rocky Start at the 2025 Charles Schwab Challenge
Michael Kim arrived at the Colonial Country Club for the 2025 Charles Schwab Challenge with hopes of making a strong impression, but his performance on Day 1 left much to be desired.1
Shooting a 1-over-par 71 in the opening round, Kim struggled to find rhythm on a course that has historically rewarded accuracy and consistency.
Despite a couple of well-earned birdies, the round was marred by three costly bogeys, leaving Kim with work to do in the coming rounds.
The app’s algorithm needs a little refinement or maybe it’s saying “Wow that’s a great round for you today Jordan. Ur on fire!” 😂 pic.twitter.com/R0BNQ5zXVi
— Michael S. Kim (@Mike_kim714) May 23, 2025
Starting on the Back Nine: A Steady but Cautious Approach
Kim teed off from the tenth hole and opened with seven consecutive pars. While consistency is usually a strength, in this case, it reflected a missed opportunity to take advantage of Colonial’s scorable holes.
The lack of early birdies suggested a tentative start, perhaps indicating nerves or a conservative strategy. This stretch of pars kept Kim in neutral, but momentum would soon shift.
Kim’s first error came on the par-4 17th, where a lapse in execution led to a bogey. The hole, known for its challenging approach shot into a guarded green, has derailed many rounds in the past, and Kim was no exception.
This mistake pushed him to 1-over, dampening what had been a stable opening run. The mental challenge of rebounding from a bogey just before the turn can be daunting, especially on a course as demanding as Colonial.
Michael Kim: Turning the Tide
A Birdie on the Second
Regaining composure, Kim found some success early on his back nine. A birdie on the par-4 second (his 11th hole of the day) helped bring him back to even par.2
This brief highlight showcased his ability to recover and hinted at a possible turnaround. The approach shot into the second was crisp, and his putting was steady enough to convert the chance.
Any momentum gained was quickly lost when Kim dropped shots on consecutive holes—the par-4 fourth and the par-4 fifth. The fourth hole saw him miss a long 29-foot putt for par, while the fifth featured another close miss from 12 feet.
These back-to-back bogeys set him back to 2-over and highlighted a trend of inconsistent putting—an area Kim will need to address if he hopes to contend over the weekend.
A Positive Finish: Birdie on the Ninth
Kim salvaged part of his round with a birdie on the ninth, his final hole of the day. It was a crucial moment—not only to improve his score but also to build confidence going into Round 2.
Ending on a high note can often serve as a psychological boost, and for Kim, it was a necessary morale lift after a tough day of grinding.
After 18 holes, Kim finds himself eight shots behind the leader, John Pak, who turned in a bogey-free 63. That kind of gap demands near-flawless play in the subsequent rounds.
With the cut looming and the course only expected to play tougher as the weekend progresses, Kim will need to be aggressive yet precise if he hopes to make a meaningful move.
A Star Among the Pack: John Pak’s Commanding Performance
While Kim faltered, John Pak soared. The 25-year-old went bogey-free in his opening round, carding a 7-under-par 63 to take the solo lead.
His round featured masterful putting and steady driving, reflecting a calm, mature approach. Pak’s performance didn’t just put him in the lead—it made a statement about his potential to contend for his first PGA Tour title.
Trailing Pak by three shots is a group of 10 players tied at 4-under, including Matt Wallace, Ben Griffin, and Bud Cauley. Their proximity to the lead keeps the leaderboard tight and promises a competitive second round.
Notable names in this group also include J.T. Poston and J.J. Spaun—players with enough pedigree to challenge on the weekend.
Familiar Faces in Contention: Fleetwood, Harman, and Simpson
- Several seasoned players are just four shots back at 3-under, including Brian Harman, Tommy Fleetwood, and Webb Simpson.
- Their experience in high-stakes events adds intrigue to the weekend narrative. These are players who can handle pressure and have the ability to post low scores, especially if the leaders stumble.
- World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler, the pre-tournament favorite, is tied for 20th after a modest 2-under-par round.
- Though not a poor showing, it was quieter than expected from a player of his caliber.
- Scheffler has shown time and again that he can surge in the later rounds, so his position should still be considered dangerous by the leaders.
- Colonial Country Club is known for its tight fairways, penal rough, and strategically placed bunkers.
- It demands precision over power and rewards patience and tactical shot-making.
- Players who can shape shots and control spin typically perform well here. For Kim, this means he must elevate his ball-striking and short game consistency to stay competitive.
Michael Kim’s Putting Woes
Areas for Improvement
Kim’s missed putts on the 4th and 5th holes—both within reasonable distance—were emblematic of his struggles on the greens.3
While his tee-to-green game showed signs of strength, converting birdie opportunities and saving pars with clutch putting will be key. Even one or two more made putts can drastically alter his trajectory in a tight tournament.
Mental Toughness: The Key to Kim’s Comeback
Golf is as much mental as it is physical. Recovering from a round that didn’t meet expectations requires resilience.
Kim has shown in the past that he can bounce back—he won the 2018 John Deere Classic in dominant fashion.
Channeling that mindset will be crucial as he prepares for Round 2.
Kim heads into Round 2 needing a strong performance to stay in contention. He’ll likely aim to go under par early and capitalize on scoring holes like the short par-4 11th and the reachable par-5 first.
Reducing mental errors and tightening up his putting stroke will be the immediate focus areas for him and his caddie.
Weather and Course Conditions Could Play a Role
Forecasts indicate potential gusty winds over the weekend, which could elevate scores and make catching the leaders more difficult.
Players like Kim, who are currently over par, might find themselves with more favorable tee times early in the day before winds pick up. Taking advantage of such conditions could be a difference-maker.
Though not one of the biggest draws, Kim has garnered a loyal following among golf enthusiasts for his analytical approach and humble demeanor.
The Texas crowd at Colonial has a reputation for being supportive, and any momentum gained early could feed off crowd energy—especially near the signature 13th hole, which is known for its lively atmosphere.
Also Read: LIV Golf Star Anthony Kim Blends Fire and Feelings in Viral Instagram Statement
Michael Kim’s Hole-by-Hole Performance
A Steady Start: Back Nine Begins at Hole 10
Michael Kim’s 2025 Charles Schwab Challenge Round 1 began on the back nine at the Colonial Country Club, with the 396-yard par-4 10th.
Often seen as a settling hole, it gave Kim a chance to find rhythm early in the round. He played it conservatively and carded a par (4), setting the tone for a composed start. No risks, no big rewards—just solid golf.
Testing the Waters on the Par-5 11th
The 11th is one of the more gettable par-5s at Colonial, playing at 635 yards. Kim approached it strategically, making a routine par (5).
While some aggressive players seek eagle opportunities here, Kim’s approach reflected prudence, opting for a measured play rather than risking the rough or bunkers that guard the green.
Keeping Composure on Hole 12
Hole 12, a par-4 stretching 440 yards, demands accuracy off the tee and a calculated second shot. Kim navigated it efficiently, staying in regulation and carding another par (4).
At this point, three pars in a row showed that he was maintaining a calm demeanor, staying within himself and letting the round unfold naturally.
Smooth Sailing on the Par-3 13th
The 13th hole is a mid-length par-3 that can be treacherous if wind conditions shift. However, Kim read the green and the wind expertly, landing his ball safely and two-putting for par (3).
With four holes down and no bogeys, Kim’s precision was evident even if the birdie chances remained elusive.
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Staying the Course at the 14th
Another par-4, the 14th offers a relatively straightforward layout at 390 yards. Kim remained unfazed, sticking to his game plan and playing a clean par (4).
By this point, five consecutive pars showed consistency, a key ingredient for any successful round at Colonial’s tight fairways and firm greens.
Maintaining Momentum on the 15th
Hole 15 is another manageable par-4, this one measuring just under 400 yards. Known for its dogleg shape and tricky approach, it can be deceptive.
Kim played it smart, once again walking away with par (4). While some fans might have hoped for early birdies, his mistake-free streak showed discipline.
No Trouble on the Tricky 16th
The 16th is a challenging par-3 that often plays longer due to its slightly elevated green and tucked pins.
Kim’s tee shot found the green, and he two-putted for another par (3), now extending his par streak to seven holes. This hole often causes scoring shifts, but Kim neutralized its threat with ease.
Stumble at the 17th: First Bogey Appears
The first blemish on Kim’s card came at the par-4 17th. He carded a bogey (5), slipping to +1 for the day.
Whether it was a missed fairway or a challenging pin location, it marked the first real sign of struggle. Still, it was a minor setback on a round that had been remarkably even to that point.
Closing the Back Nine at the 18th
The 18th is a tough finishing hole on the back nine, a 441-yard par-4 with water and bunkers that demand precision.
Kim made another bogey (4), making the turn at 36 strokes, +1. After seven straight pars, two bogeys to end the nine introduced some tension—but nothing insurmountable.
Michael Kim: Fresh Start on the Front
Par at the First
Starting the front nine on the par-5 1st, Kim saw an opportunity to bounce back. It’s one of the few birdie chances on the course.
Although he didn’t capitalize with a birdie, his par (5) helped halt the mini slide and stabilize his round. At this point, staying patient was essential.
Highlight Moment at the 2nd
The par-4 2nd, stretching just under 400 yards, offered a prime scoring opportunity. Kim took advantage with a birdie (3), bringing him back to even par.
This marked his first red number of the round and served as a momentum builder going forward. It showed his mental fortitude after back-to-back bogeys on the prior nine.
A Misstep at the 3rd
Unfortunately, that birdie momentum didn’t carry forward. At the par-4 3rd, a 470-yard beast, Kim bogeyed (4), moving back to +1.
This hole often plays among the toughest on the course due to length and wind exposure, so a bogey here was hardly surprising—even for top-tier players.
Par-3 Problems: Hole 4
The 4th, a lengthy 240-yard par-3, lived up to its reputation. Kim struggled here, carding another bogey (4) and rising to +2 overall.
With few bailout areas around the green, this hole is often a scorecard wrecker. Kim’s approach likely missed the mark, forcing a scramble and a tough two-putt.
Navigating the Long 5th
Another difficult hole followed—the par-4 5th, measuring 480 yards. It’s narrow and requires precision on both the drive and approach.
Kim bogeyed again (5), slipping to +2. The front nine was proving more difficult than the back. At this stage, it was clear he was grinding to stay within striking distance.
Hanging On at the 6th
At the par-4 6th, Kim needed to stop the bleeding—and he did. A solid par (4) showed that he regrouped and found stability.
After two straight bogeys, a clean hole gave him a chance to recalibrate and finish strong. Colonial rewards players who can endure through the tough middle stretch.
A Quiet 7th Hole
The 7th, another par-4, has a more open fairway and fewer hazards. Kim played it cautiously and walked away with par (4), keeping his score at +2. He wasn’t hunting pins, but his conservative strategy was beginning to pay off again.
Cracking the Par-3 Code at the 8th
Finally, a bright spot. Kim birdied the 8th, a 170-yard par-3, one of the most beautiful and deceptively difficult holes on the course.
His tee shot must’ve landed close, and he capitalized to pull back to +1. This birdie not only helped the scorecard but also served as a confidence boost.
A Classy Finish at the 9th
Michael Kim concluded Round 1 with a par (4) at the 9th hole, securing a front-nine score of 35 (even-par).
The closing hole offered a balanced challenge, but Kim held his nerve to finish strong. His total score for the day stood at 71, one over par on a par-70 layout.
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