Can PGA Tour pros play golf anywhere they want? Michael Kim explains: “quick answer is not really”

US golfer Michael Kim recently took to social media to answer some frequently asked questions and bust some myths about the golfing world. He answered a doubt that many golf fans worldwide may have, that is, can PGA Tour pro golfers play anywhere they want?

Michael Kim, while answering this question, named some specific golf courses known for their exclusivity and legacy, such as Pebble Beach, Augusta National, Bandon Dunes and Cypress Point. In a short reply, he said, "Not really".

"As a pgatour pro can we play anywhere? (I.e. Pebble, Augusta, Cypress) Quick answer is not really,"

Kim further explained that at private golf courses, a golfer needs to speak with the golf pro or the director of golf to be allowed to play there, and Kim has done so. However, at the exclusive clubs, one has to know a member; if a golfer is famous, members will gladly host them.

"Many private golf courses I have called the head pro or the director of golf and asked to play or practice and many have said yes. For the REALLY exclusive courses, you need to know a member to have a member host you like anywhere else. Just calling the head pro isn’t going to do much. Obviously, if you’re a “famous” tour pro, a member will gladly host you,"

Michael Kim then spoke about the conditions at the famous courses. Pebble Beach is said to be one of the most beautiful golf courses in the world, with the iconic 18th hole cutting into the water to create a stunning location. Augusta National is arguably the most prestigious golf course in the world, annually hosting the Masters there. Kim spoke on being able to play on these courses, saying:

"Places like Pebble and Bandon are almost harder to play because their tee times are fully booked with paying golfers. Whereas Augusta or Cypress, if a member is willing and available, it’s not a problem,"

Kim further said that due to his experience in golf, he has come to know many members of the club and is given invitations without having to ask since he doesn't go on golf trips.

"Through golf and many pro ams, I’ve gotten to know people that are members at those exclusive clubs and many have given an open invitation although I’ve rarely asked to be hosted because I don’t take golf trips,"

Kim turned professional in 2013 after a thriving amateur career. He joined the PGA Tour in 2016.

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"But as soon as I got free access, it wasn’t nearly as cool" - Michael Kim

Michael Kim (Source: Imagn)

US golfer Michael Kim took to social media to answer some common queries golf fans may have. Among the doubts he cleared, he talked about golfers getting free equipment. He was honest in admitting that although initially the prospect was exciting, he had grown "numb" to these perks over time.

"If you play it during the tournament, it’s almost unlimited. ... Free clubs sounds super cool and at first ur a kid in a toy store. But at a certain point, you get really numb to it all. The coolest putters and shafts all just blend in and at the end of the day, they are just equipment to do my job the best that I can. I used to freak out about circle Ts and what not but as soon as I got free access, it wasn’t nearly as cool,"

Golf equipment company, Titleist, provides Kim with three dozen golf balls every tournament and practice week. He added that he usually asks for a few extra dozen and his request has never been turned down.

"Titleist gives me 3 dozen every tournament week and during practice weeks, I ask them to send a shipment of balls and usually comes with 6-10 dozen boxes. That’ll last me for a while. I’ve never had them say no for some extra golf balls but I never ask for more than I need,"

Well, the benefits that professional golfers enjoy do seem enticing as Michael Kim added another list of some exciting perks PGA Tour professionals get from league partners like airlines, hotel chains, car rentals, recovery equipment companies, etc.

"Omni hotels, Avis car rentals are pgatour partners so we get decent status on those but some are more useful than others. Idk when the last time I flew United since I live in Dallas. Other discounts include: FedEx, Bridgestone tires, BMW, At&T, Hyperice. They aren’t crazy discounts by any means but def is nice if you want any of their products or services,"

Michael Kim is certainly doing a good service to golf enthusiasts by giving them a sneak peek into the lives of professional golfers and how the golfing world functions.