English teenager Kris Kim excited for PGA Tour debut at CJ Cup

Kim, whose mother Ji-Hyun Suh played on the LPGA Tour in the 1990s, is regarded as the leading prospect in English men's golf and played a starring role in Europe's victory in last year's Junior Ryder Cup.

The 16-year-old was unbeaten on his debut in Rome at the end of a season which also saw him win the Boys' Amateur Championship, European Boys' Individual Championship and the McGregor Trophy.

After receiving an invitation to play at TPC Craig Ranch via his sponsors the CJ Group, Kim will now tee it up in a field containing the likes of major winners Jordan Spieth, Jason Day and Adam Scott.

"I'm so excited to tee it up in Texas," Kim said. "It's what you work towards all the time and it's an amazing opportunity.

"I can't wait to play in front of big crowds again. I've never hit the ball as far as I did at the Ryder Cup. The adrenaline rush makes golf so much fun.

"That said, having played that course, and a few more tour courses, I appreciate the task ahead and look forward to the challenge."

As for the prospect of his looming exams, Kim joked: "I am trying to revise, I promise, but it's quite tough. My schedule is quite busy right now."

Kim admits he will lean on his mother, who is also his coach, for advice, but insists he will not settle on just enjoying his first taste of the PGA Tour experience.

"My first aim is to make the cut and then see what happens," he said.

"At the end of the day I'm one of 144 competitors and we've all got a chance. Whatever happens it's going to be super helpful for my future because I'll gain so much experience.

"I know I'm still young and pretty much every week I learn a lesson, but this week is going to be a lot bigger."