Michael Kim, despite a strong season, narrowly missed qualifying for this year’s Tour Championship but is now focusing on his upcoming challenges on the DP World Tour. On August 21, 2025, Kim announced plans to compete in the 2025 BMW PGA Championship and the FedEx Open de France this September as part of his renewed goals.
Michael Kim’s Upcoming DP World Tour Participation and Ambitions
Kim revealed his intention to expand his competitive schedule globally, emphasizing his goal to qualify for the DP World Tour Playoffs in Abu Dhabi. Announcing his plans on X, formerly Twitter, he expressed excitement about playing two DP World Tour events for the first time this year. This marks an important step in his career as he aims to pursue new opportunities beyond the PGA Tour.
“Excited to add two DP world tour events to my schedule this yr! I’ve always wanted to play a global schedule and I’m really looking forward to it. Goal will be qualifying for the DP playoffs in Abu Dhabi!”
—Michael Kim, Professional Golfer
Throughout 2025, Kim demonstrated solid form, finishing tied for 27th at the Masters and achieving four top-10 placements on the PGA Tour. A highlight was his runner-up finish at the WM Phoenix Open, which underscored his growth compared to the previous year.
The Narrow Margin That Kept Kim Out of the Tour Championship
Kim found himself on the edge of qualification for the FedEx Cup Playoffs’ final event at East Lake Golf Club. His hopes were dashed by a single pivotal moment at the 2025 BMW Championship’s closing round in Caves Valley Golf Club. Viktor Hovland’s birdie on the 18th hole allowed Akshay Bhatia to claim the 30th and last qualifying position for the Tour Championship, leaving Kim in 31st place just outside the cut.
This near miss was especially painful given Kim’s consistent performance throughout the season, highlighting how razor-thin margins can determine golf careers at this level.
Reflecting on the Emotional Toll of Missing the Season Finale
After the BMW Championship concluded, Kim shared his raw feelings on X, describing the disappointment of finishing 31st. He contrasted this experience with other setbacks in his career, acknowledging it was a different, dull sense of regret rather than outright failure.
“Thoughts from BMW… Man it’s difficult to describe the feeling of finishing 31. It’s not as painful as some of the moments I’ve had in my career when I’ve lost my card but it’s this dull disappointing knot in my heart. I really felt like I had the ability to get the job done and was going to get it done…”
—Michael Kim, Professional Golfer
During the second leg of the FedEx Cup Playoffs at Owings Mills, Kim opened strongly with rounds of 68 (-2) and 66 (-4). He maintained steady play through the weekend to finish alone in tenth place at the BMW Championship, posting four rounds of 68, 66, 70, and 70 for a total score of 6 under par 274.
Looking Ahead: The Significance of Kim’s DP World Tour Goals
Michael Kim’s decision to compete in DP World Tour events signals an important phase in his career as he adapts and broadens his competitive horizons following the disappointment of barely missing the Tour Championship. His focus on qualifying for the DP World Tour Playoffs in Abu Dhabi reflects a strategic shift to embrace a global schedule, providing fresh opportunities for growth and success.
Kim’s recent performances affirm his ability to compete at a high level, suggesting that with continued dedication, he can contend in these international tournaments and possibly secure a place in next season’s major events. This outlook also speaks to the evolving nature of professional golf, where players seek diverse pathways to maintain momentum and build their legacies.