Early Beginnings
While attending the University of Southern California, Jeffrey Kang occasionally assisted head coach Chris Zambri with junior golf clinics, earning some extra money. Zambri would use Kang’s impressive credentials as a standout recruit to inspire the kids, saying, “This is what it takes.” At that time, Kang had no idea just how challenging his journey would be.
Achievements and Challenges
Kang’s complex path to the PGA Tour culminated last Sunday in French Lick, Indiana, where at 34, he finished the Korn Ferry Tour Championship ranked 14th in points, securing one of the 20 available cards for 2026. Reflecting on his journey, Kang noted, “It took a lot of patience, a lot of self-talk… It’s been tough, but this is why we do it.” Following the card ceremony, he celebrated with champagne and Michelob Ultra, expressing his happiness for having persevered.
High School Star Turned Rookie
Kang’s journey began in Fullerton, California, where he flourished at Sunny Hills High School and gained national recognition. While many talented athletes of his caliber chose to attend Stanford, Kang committed to USC, which pleased Zambri despite losing a future star in Patrick Cantlay to UCLA. During his college career, Kang earned accolades, including an all-Pac-10 selection and an All-American honorable mention. However, midway through his college years, his prospects took a downturn.
Facing Adversity
Kang described experiencing the “driver yips,” a debilitating issue that plagued him for a significant portion of his final two years at college. According to his instructor Dana Dahlquist, this struggle made his swing unstable, akin to a motorcycle struggling to navigate turns. Despite these challenges, Kang never missed a round during his junior or senior years, although the struggles of the team placed significant pressure on him.
Committing to Improvement
With Dahlquist’s guidance, Kang worked on adjusting his wrist conditions to improve his game. He transitioned from a player hesitant to commit to a shot to someone who effectively managed his driving anxiety, making strides toward PGA Tour-level performance. Although his early professional years were tough—missing cuts and struggling in tournaments—he eventually found success on the PGA Tour China before the pandemic paused his journey.
A New Chapter
During the hiatus, Kang reconnected with a high school friend, coach Josh Park, and they spent time refining his game. With the help of Park and Dahlquist, Kang improved his technique and began to excel on the PGA Tour Canada, achieving ten top-10 finishes. His breakthrough finally arrived with a strong performance at the Visit Knoxville Open, leading him to secure his PGA Tour card for the upcoming season.
Looking Ahead
Zambri, who has been supportive of Kang throughout his career, admires his dedication and resilience. He expressed hope that Kang would enjoy a successful career akin to that of Tom Lehman, who faced his own challenges before achieving substantial success on the PGA Tour. As Kang reflects on his journey, he embraces the challenges he has overcome and looks forward to his future in professional golf.
