Si Woo Kim’s hole-in-one at the 2025 PGA Championship is more than a highlight—it’s a symbol of what makes golf so unpredictable, beautiful, and thrilling
From breaking distance records to making history with back-to-back major aces, Kim has shown that in golf, one moment can change everything.
Fans will remember his shot not just for how far it traveled, but for how perfectly it captured the spirit of championship golf: bold, precise, and unforgettable.
The PGA Championship is known for its drama, difficulty, and the defining moments it provides players each year. For Si Woo Kim, 2025 was about perseverance.
His candid remarks about the challenges he faced and his honest reflection on performance highlight a golfer who is both self-aware and driven to improve.
As the season unfolds, Si Woo Kim will look to build on this experience, knowing that in the world of professional golf, one great round can reignite a season—and a career.
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Table of Contents
Si Woo Kim Makes History with Stunning Hole-in-One at 2025 PGA Championship
- In a moment of pure golfing brilliance, South Korea’s Si Woo Kim delivered one of the most unforgettable shots in major championship history at the 2025 PGA Championship.1
- During the second round on Friday, May 16, Kim aced the par-3 sixth hole from an astonishing 252 yards, not only delighting fans but also etching his name into the golf history books by breaking two significant records.
- The sixth hole at Valhalla Golf Club, known for its demanding length and precision requirement, was not expected to produce many birdies—let alone an ace.
- Yet, Si Woo Kim pulled off what many consider nearly impossible, hitting a perfect shot that flew straight into the cup.
- The 252-yard hole-in-one stands as the longest ace in major championship history, surpassing all previous aces in terms of sheer distance.
- This wasn’t just any hole-in-one—it was a display of pinpoint accuracy and composure under pressure, especially considering the weight of the event.
- With the flag tucked toward the back right of the green and a stiff headwind in play, most golfers aimed for safety. Kim, however, took a bold line—and it paid off spectacularly.
Breaking the Record Books
Si Woo Kim’s ace didn’t just amaze fans—it rewrote the record books. Before Friday’s round, no golfer in major championship history had made a hole-in-one from such a long distance.
Golf’s major tournaments, which include The Masters, the U.S. Open, The Open Championship, and the PGA Championship, are known for their challenging setups. Making an ace is rare; doing so from over 250 yards is unheard of.
Additionally, Kim became the first player since Scott Hoch in 2002 to record holes-in-one in back-to-back major appearances. Hoch managed his aces at the 2001 PGA Championship and 2002 U.S. Open, but Kim’s feat may be even more impressive considering the increased difficulty and length of modern championship courses.
A Repeat Performance: Back-to-Back Aces in Majors
What makes Si Woo Kim’s latest ace even more remarkable is its historical context. Just last year, during the 2024 Open Championship, Kim made a hole-in-one on the par-3 17th during Round 3.
That ace was also met with thunderous applause and solidified Kim’s reputation as a player capable of magical moments.
To do it again—this time on a longer hole and under even greater tournament pressure—cements Kim’s place in an elite class of golfers.
Very few players ever record an ace in a major, let alone two in successive events. This is more than a fluke—it’s a testament to Kim’s incredible ball-striking and nerves of steel.
The Round of His Life: Kim’s Friday Charge
While the ace was the highlight, Si Woo Kim’s second round at the 2025 PGA Championship was an all-around masterclass. He carded a sensational 64, one of the lowest rounds of the day.
That performance allowed him to climb 58 places on the leaderboard, surging into a tie for second alongside Matt Fitzpatrick and Matthieu Pavon.
Kim’s round included a mix of birdies, solid approach shots, and clean putting. The hole-in-one gave him the kind of momentum that only a magical shot can generate, and he rode that wave for the rest of the day.
His aggressive but controlled playstyle turned heads, with many analysts suddenly placing him among the favorites heading into the weekend.
Si Woo Kim: Career of Grit and Brilliance
For those who’ve followed Kim’s career, this performance is not entirely surprising.2
Since winning The Players Championship in 2017 at just 21 years old, Si Woo Kim has been a consistent competitor on the PGA Tour.
While injuries and form fluctuations have challenged him at times, Kim has never been short on talent.
His ability to rise to the occasion, especially on the big stage, is what sets him apart. Whether it’s a steady run at the Presidents Cup or bold plays in major tournaments, Kim’s resume is filled with moments that highlight his determination and flair.
Tee off tmrw afternoon with Rahm. Feels like it could be a fun pairing
— Si Woo Kim Tracker (@WooTracker) May 18, 2025
Major Moments: How Rare Are Aces?
To understand the rarity of Kim’s achievement, it’s worth noting just how uncommon hole-in-ones are at majors.
Courses are set up to challenge even the best players, with tricky pin placements, gusty winds, and long par-3s that punish even slight miscalculations.
Most aces in majors happen on shorter holes, typically ranging between 140 and 180 yards. Kim’s 252-yard ace completely breaks that mold.
It was not only a perfect swing but also an act of courage—trusting the club selection, the swing speed, and the ball flight to perfection.
Comparisons with Golf Legends
Kim’s back-to-back aces inevitably draw comparisons with other legends of the game.
While Tiger Woods famously made a dramatic hole-in-one at the 1997 Phoenix Open, and Louis Oosthuizen made a memorable ace during the 2016 Masters, neither managed back-to-back major aces.
Scott Hoch’s name has now resurfaced because of Kim’s accomplishment, but it’s clear that Si Woo Kim’s combination of skill and timing might be even more impressive.
In today’s era of elite competition, every shot counts, and Kim is making his count when it matters most.
Si Woo Kim: Reactions from the Golf World
Golf fans, players, and commentators alike reacted with awe to Kim’s hole-in-one.3
Social media erupted with praise, while highlight reels quickly began circulating online. Fellow players stopped to applaud, with some jokingly asking Kim for tips.
PGA Tour veteran Kevin Kisner called it “the shot of the year,” while former world No. 1 Rory McIlroy noted during his post-round interview, “That’s one of the best shots I’ve ever seen in a major setting.”
The PGA Championship crowd, too, offered one of the loudest roars of the day, their cheers echoing across the course as Kim walked toward the green, a mix of shock and joy on his face.
Building Momentum for the Weekend
Kim’s ace and subsequent charge up the leaderboard have turned him into a real contender for the title.
With momentum on his side and his confidence sky-high, he’s a player to watch over the final rounds. His iron play is locked in, his putting is reliable, and he’s playing with a fearless energy that’s hard to match.
If he continues on this path, the 2025 PGA Championship could become his career-defining moment.
The Mental Game: Calm Under Pressure
One of Kim’s greatest strengths is his mental resilience. Known for his calm demeanor and ability to refocus after setbacks, he rarely shows signs of being rattled. This mindset was clearly on display during his second round.
Instead of being overwhelmed by the magnitude of the shot, Kim used the hole-in-one as fuel. He didn’t get ahead of himself, didn’t celebrate too much, and instead channeled that energy into birdies and strong approach play.
That mental toughness might be his biggest weapon heading into the weekend.
A Historic Weekend Awaits
With the 2025 PGA Championship heating up, Si Woo Kim has already created one of the defining highlights of the tournament.
His 252-yard ace will go down as one of the greatest shots in major history—not just for its technical difficulty, but for the context, composure, and legacy it now carries.
As the weekend rounds approach, all eyes will be on Kim. Can he maintain his momentum and lift his first major trophy? Regardless of the final result, he’s already made a lasting impression—and set a standard of brilliance few will ever match.
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Si Woo Kim Reflects on His 2025 PGA Championship Journey
The 2025 PGA Championship was a rollercoaster of emotions for many players, but for South Korean golfer Si Woo Kim, it served as a moment of learning, adaptation, and personal growth.
Despite a rocky start in the first round, Kim bounced back with a stunning second-round performance that placed him back in contention, showcasing resilience and skill under pressure.
The tournament began on Thursday, May 15, with Kim teeing off on the first hole. His round was characterized by inconsistency, managing to post a 1-over-par 72. Early signs suggested he might struggle at Valhalla Golf Club’s demanding setup.
After a bogey on the second hole, he quickly recovered with a birdie on the fourth, only to stumble again with bogeys on the seventh and ninth.
The back nine showed flashes of brilliance, particularly an eagle, but it was offset by a costly double bogey. By the end of the day, it was clear Kim wasn’t entirely comfortable. He was grappling not only with the course conditions but also with the unpredictable “mud balls” – shots impacted by clumps of mud sticking to the ball after landing in wet conditions.
Battling the Elements: The Mud Ball Dilemma
In his post-round comments, Kim highlighted one of the key challenges players faced: the mud balls. These occur when a ball picks up debris after landing in soft fairways, causing it to fly unpredictably.
“I didn’t realize how bad was the mud ball,” Kim shared, referencing how rarely he had encountered the issue due to missing fairways the day before.
However, better driving in round two brought the issue into focus. “I’ve been fighting all front nine with the mud balls,” he added, explaining how these affected his approach shots and overall rhythm.
Mud balls can be particularly frustrating for precision players like Kim, who rely on accurate ball placement. Dealing with unpredictable flight paths adds a mental strain that often goes unnoticed by casual viewers.
A Stunning Comeback: Round Two Excellence
If the first round showed Kim’s struggles, the second round was a masterclass in mental fortitude and ball-striking.
Starting on the 10th hole, Kim immediately got into rhythm with a birdie on the 11th. Three birdies and an eagle highlighted his card, with only one bogey marring an otherwise spotless round.
His 7-under performance was one of the lowest scores of the day and significantly improved his standing on the leaderboard.
The drastic turnaround was a testament to his ability to quickly adapt and manage both external elements and internal doubts.
From surviving the mud to executing one of the best rounds of his season, Kim showed why he remains a respected competitor on the PGA Tour.
Si Woo Kim: Season So Far
Solid but Seeking More
Entering the PGA Championship, Si Woo Kim had participated in 15 events in the 2025 PGA Tour season.
While he hadn’t had a breakthrough win, his performances were consistent. His best result came at the RBC Heritage, where he finished inside the top 10, a promising sign given the depth of talent on the tour.
At the Truist Championship, his most recent outing before the PGA, Kim finished T17, another solid performance, though short of contending for the title.
His game showed flashes of top-tier form, but he struggled with putting consistency and occasional wayward drives—issues that also appeared during his first round at Valhalla.
Mental Game: Finding Balance Amid Chaos
One of the often overlooked aspects of professional golf is the mental strength required to bounce back from adversity.
After an underwhelming opening round, Kim could have easily lost confidence or fallen into negative thinking patterns.
Instead, he reset, trusted his game, and produced one of the standout performances of the tournament’s second round.
This resilience underscores the maturity in his approach. Now in his early 30s, Kim has been on the PGA Tour long enough to understand the importance of staying patient and process-driven, rather than result-oriented.
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Spotlight Moment: Near Ace on a Long Par-3
One of the highlights of Kim’s second round was nearly holing out on one of the longest par-3s on the course.
“I had like longest par-3 hole-in-one,” Kim joked in his press conference, referring to how close he came to making a spectacular ace.
Moments like these energize players, and for Kim, it seemed to lift his entire game. The nearly perfect tee shot sparked a series of confident swings, leading to more birdie opportunities and precise approach play throughout the rest of his round.
What This Means for the Rest of the Season
Kim’s performance at the PGA Championship, particularly the second round, serves as a strong confidence booster heading into the summer stretch of the PGA Tour schedule.
With major events like the U.S. Open and The Open Championship on the horizon, the ability to find his form under pressure will be essential.
If Kim can string together multiple rounds like his Friday performance at Valhalla, he could be in line for another victory—his first since the 2021 American Express.
More importantly, it’s a reminder that he has the tools to compete at the highest level.
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