Haven't heard much about him so I'll start...

[FLGOLFJUNKIE]

John HUH??????

Is he just playing real well right now? Or is he going to be the next real deal?

2 Events played....1 Top 10...1 Top 25...Made himself $220 k already...2nd this week @ Phoenix..He looks like a young humble kid, anyone else know a little bit more?

[Hawkeye77]

Who?

[MtlJeff]

huh?

[Pepperturbo]

Yep - he's a player that came from no where. Read up on him, very interesting. Born in NYC - and moved to Asia with his parents at an early age. Then they came back to somewhere in the Midwest. If I recall, his golf resume is nothing to speak of. Based on his recent surprising performance, I'd say he's a natural. Plus, he doesn't wilt under tournament and media pressure. He hits a ways too.

[wobgon]

I still haven't heard of him???????

[bobfoster]

[quote name='wobgon' timestamp='1328311118' post='4208235']
I still haven't heard of him???????
[/quote]


Well ...he's actually in fourth place right now ... people can get to know him well over the next couple of days ...

[deasy55]

He had 3 eagles in round 1 at Torrey Pines last week

[Hawkeye77]

Is there a subtitle on the regular site I'm not seeing on the mobile? I honestly don't know who he is referring to.

[wobgon]

[quote name='HAWKEYE77' timestamp='1328312840' post='4208417']
Is there a subtitle on the regular site I'm not seeing on the mobile? I honestly don't know who he is referring to.
[/quote]

I think his name is HUH. It took me a while to understand.

[pompiputter]

He definitely carried his own in Farmer's for a while there.

[FLGOLFJUNKIE]

His name is John Huh....for everyone who is still clueless...He's in 4th place right now @ Phoenix and yes, he hits it a mile!!!

[kemau]

great story worth the entire read

[url="http://www.dailynews.com/sports/ci_19717399"]L.A.'s John Huh, 21, gets his PGA card[/url]

VALENCIA -- The first time John Huh walked into the pro shop at TPC Valencia a couple of weeks ago, he said he'd like to use the facilities as part of his PGA Tour benefits.
The golf shop pro surely thought, "Huh?"

PGA Tour players can play and practice for free at any of the TPC courses, so Huh wanted to hone his game there. He doesn't really have a home course anyway, so Huh brought his Ping clubs and was wearing a cap and shirt advertising a Ginseng company written in Korean.

Understandably, they asked for ID.

Huh - which rhymes with duh - obliged. He knows he's a mystery man in the golf world, so he showed off his sparkling new identification card that will give him access to the same courses as Tiger Woods.

The PGA Tour rookie undoubtedly needs to keep his card readily available in his back pocket.

Until Huh makes a splash on tour, he's as unknown to golf as "The Bachelor" is to successful relationships.

The 21-year-old Huh, who prepped at Crescenta Valley and turned pro at the age of 18, isn't even well-known around his home of Southern California. He played some junior golf but wasn't even the best member on his high school team. He didn't play college golf, either.

Huh is ready to show people there's more to him than just a fun last name.

"I haven't had a chance to play well in junior golf or college golf," Huh said. "People don't really know who Johnny Huh is.

"I look forward to showing them who Johnny Huh is. If I play good, they'll find out who I am."
He's a Korean-American with all sorts of potential and earned his tour card through last month's grueling final stage of qualifying school at PGAWest.

He was born in New York and, two months later, his family moved to Korea. When the family's fabrics business didn't work out, the Huhs moved to Chicago. It was there, ironically, that Huh fostered a love of golf at the age of 12.

"I started playing there, and I wanted to play more," he said. "I had fun in Chicago. I played in little tournaments in a little program."

His dad, Oksik Huh, moved the family to Los Angeles so his son could play year-round.

Huh made rapid improvements in his game from the ages of 18 to 21. Much of that had to do with playing on the Korean Golf Tour. For him, it was the best thing he has ever done. At 19, he won the Shinhan Bank Open and $150,000.

"I went to Korea and got a lot of confidence there," Huh said. "It's just like the PGA. You have a practice round and a pro-am. That's why we went there. I learned a lot. I played a four-day event. Real tournaments."

Huh's older brother, James, is helping with travel arrangements. He has no agent or publicist and just got a new caddie, Hansen Dam's Zeke Salas, who's also a friend. Huh has no equipment deal and, at the moment, only sponsors from Korea.

His father was caddying for him on the Korean Golf Tour. This is a dream come true for the Huhs.

"My parents are very happy," James Huh said. "We didn't think about this (yet)."

Huh wasn't expecting this quite yet either, but he attributes his fast start to the Korean Tour.

The slender Huh won't be up there in driving distance with Gary Woodland and Bubba Watson. Asked how long he hits it, Huh answered: "It's about accuracy more. And I'm pretty accurate. That's more important."

Maybe it's not as crowd-pleasing, but it's a good way to keep your tour card.

Huh was ready to accept a scholarship to play for Cal State Northridge three years ago, but he needed two more core classes. He took summer school and practiced with the Matadors while the NCAA clearinghouse reviewed his case, but his appeal was denied.

He said he couldn't afford school for a year, so he turned professional.

"I was thinking of going to school and playing tournaments, but I told my dad that wasn't my dream," Huh said. "I tried it. I decided to turn pro and went to Korea. It was a concern. I didn't want to turn pro right after high school, but I didn't have much of a choice."

He made an impression on former Saugus and CSUN golfer Nick Delio, who is trying to make it in the professional ranks, too.

"I was mostly impressed with his demeanor," Delio said. "He didn't really hit the ball that far and didn't seem that spectacular, but he placed it out there. A lot of guys just want to bomb it. He plays position golf and tries to make a number rather than trying to overpower a course. He's a really smart player.

"He has a positive attitude and he's obviously a really good putter to make it through Q-school. He's a really nice kid. I'm really happy for him."

CSUN golf coach Jim Bracken wonders how good the Matadors would've been with Delio, Erik Jarvey, Chris Satterlee and Huh.

"We would've competed with the 'SCs and UCLAs," Bracken said.

As for Huh's game, Bracken said: "He wasn't around long enough for me to say, `This kid is going to make millions of dollars.' He had as much talent as anyone on the team, including Nick, but Nick was more established and consistent.

"Obviously, the talent was there."

Delio and Huh were reunited at the second stage of qualifying school.

Huh survived the brutal test -- which featured four golfers who have won majors but didn't earn their cards -- and played in the first group on the final day. On the last hole, he hit his second shot in the water.

"He wasn't happy," James Huh said. "He thought he didn't make it."

They had lunch and waited. They weren't expecting good news.

Huh finished at 8 under, which turned out to be right on the cut line. He was tied for 27th, but two Nationwide Tour players - Roberto Castro and Mark Anderson - didn't improve their status and already had earned their cards. They didn't count toward the top 25 and Huh was in.

Now he'll be teeing it up with some of his favorite players, such as K.J. Choi and Korean-Americans Charlie Wi and Kevin Na. He's excited to meet them and learn from them.

Perhaps, he'll become a star in Korea, too.

"Golf is big there. I'm still young, and I haven't thought about that," Huh said. "If I win or do something, I'm pretty sure it'll be exciting and they'll see me on TV."

Huh has more exciting identification to brag about: he earned his driver's license last week. He never needed a car in Korea. Now, he can drive courtesy cars at professional golf tournaments.

He made this week's field at the Sony Open, the first chance golf fans will have to learn about him.

As a teenager, people would make fun of his last name by answering him with "huh?" or "what?"

"It was (tough) when I was a kid, like 14," Huh said. "I don't care about that now."

He just wouldn't mind not needing that ID someday.

[wobgon]

[quote name='FLGOLFJUNKIE' timestamp='1328320950' post='4209327']
His name is John Huh....for everyone who is still clueless...He's in 4th place right now @ Phoenix and yes, he hits it a mile!!!
[/quote]

Would not have thought the guy who asked the original question would be calling anyone clueless.

[kemau]

[quote name='FLGOLFJUNKIE' timestamp='1328320950' post='4209327']
His name is John Huh....for everyone who is still clueless...He's in 4th place right now @ Phoenix and yes, he hits it a mile!!!
[/quote]

he hits it a mile?

"The slender Huh won't be up there in driving distance with Gary Woodland and Bubba Watson. Asked how long he hits it, Huh answered: 'It's about accuracy more. And I'm pretty accurate. That's more important."

[Thrillhouse]

"[color=#1C2837][size=2]Until Huh makes a splash on tour, he's as unknown to golf as "The Bachelor" is to successful relationships."
[/size][/color]
[color=#1C2837][size=2]
[/size][/color]
[color=#1C2837][size=2]ZING! hahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahaha.[/size][/color]
[color=#1C2837][size=2]
[/size][/color]
[color=#1C2837][size=2]Other than that the article was pretty informative, thanks for posting. [/size][/color]

[hogans71]

[quote name='wobgon' timestamp='1328321339' post='4209345']
[quote name='FLGOLFJUNKIE' timestamp='1328320950' post='4209327']
His name is John Huh....for everyone who is still clueless...He's in 4th place right now @ Phoenix and yes, he hits it a mile!!!
[/quote]

Would not have thought the guy who asked the original question would be calling anyone clueless.
[/quote]

No kidding... Jeez...

[FLGOLFJUNKIE]

[quote name='hogans71' timestamp='1328324317' post='4209675']
[quote name='wobgon' timestamp='1328321339' post='4209345']
[quote name='FLGOLFJUNKIE' timestamp='1328320950' post='4209327']
His name is John Huh....for everyone who is still clueless...He's in 4th place right now @ Phoenix and yes, he hits it a mile!!!
[/quote]

Would not have thought the guy who asked the original question would be calling anyone clueless.
[/quote]

No kidding... Jeez...
[/quote]

Awwww, sensitive? Get a grip fellas....Stop trying to start arguments for the sake of starting arguments...There were people who were still really wondering who "HUH" was...therefore they didn't have a CLUE as to what I was talking about, and what does that make them? CLUEless...I wasn't trying to be a jerk, and I called no one in specific clueless...(Gosh people like you get me going...)

[Llortamaisey]

Who's on first

[fjk]

Good article. Saw him on the leader boards but didn't realize what his background was. Good story!

[mosesgolf]

I've been noticing his name on top of the leaderboards at Torrey and Phoenix. What a great story. Hopefully, he will make a huge splash this year.

[wobgon]

[quote name='FLGOLFJUNKIE' timestamp='1328361293' post='4211273']
[quote name='hogans71' timestamp='1328324317' post='4209675']
[quote name='wobgon' timestamp='1328321339' post='4209345']
[quote name='FLGOLFJUNKIE' timestamp='1328320950' post='4209327']
His name is John Huh....for everyone who is still clueless...He's in 4th place right now @ Phoenix and yes, he hits it a mile!!!
[/quote]

Would not have thought the guy who asked the original question would be calling anyone clueless.
[/quote]

No kidding... Jeez...
[/quote]

Awwww, sensitive? Get a grip fellas....Stop trying to start arguments for the sake of starting arguments...There were people who were still really wondering who "HUH" was...therefore they didn't have a CLUE as to what I was talking about, and what does that make them? CLUEless...I wasn't trying to be a jerk, and I called no one in specific clueless...(Gosh people like you get me going...)
[/quote]

Then get going.

[legitimategolf]

Koreans have a natural talent for golf. It's weird.

[PGArox]

Thanks for posting that article. It makes it easier to get behind these guys when they are humanized. I'd like to see the TOUR do a little bit better in bringing these players' stories to the fans.

[kekoa]

Ping should jump on him quick.

[PGArox]

[quote name='exquisitechip' timestamp='1328392862' post='4213783']
Koreans have a natural talent for golf. It's weird.
[/quote]

Well, as a guy whose second family is primarily Korean, let me say this-

There is a lot of introspection in the Korean culture. They are encouraged to work on their skills, and bring out their potential, in solitary contemplation. Golf is a great match for them, what with the countless hours of hitting balls in practice.

And golf is such a cerebral game, which demands self-control and management, and plenty of strategy. Perfect in the Korean culture.

[Oldboy]

Very nice and humble kid. He played and practiced at Brookside and Angeles National here in SoCal. He's got game and more importantly the right head for it. He won in Korea and was ROY. The tourney he won had KJ, Camilo Villegas and Angel Cabrera in the field. He's a real solid kid from a family that didn't quite have a lot of resources. I saw him again late last year and he hasn't changed a bit. Still humble and positive. Me and a couple of guys that know him are obviously pulling for him. He's living the dream. And he's in contention once again. Awesome

[highdraw69]

[quote name='kemau' timestamp='1328321709' post='4209389']
[quote name='FLGOLFJUNKIE' timestamp='1328320950' post='4209327']
His name is John Huh....for everyone who is still clueless...He's in 4th place right now @ Phoenix and yes, he hits it a mile!!!
[/quote]

he hits it a mile?

"The slender Huh won't be up there in driving distance with Gary Woodland and Bubba Watson. Asked how long he hits it, Huh answered: 'It's about accuracy more. And I'm pretty accurate. That's more important."
[/quote]

when i watched his play at Torrey he seemed quite a bit shorter than his playing partners, but he looked like a great putter

[Oldboy]

PING has him as tour staff on their website. Hope he gets a deal with travis mathew if that hasn't already happened.

[Golfwolf]

Interesting story kemau, looking forward to see how this young guy does this year, he looks good right now.

[asong77]

Koreans have a natural talent for golf. It's weird.

 

I'm Korean-American, a golf nut, but I certainly don't have this so-called natural ability...I'm extremely offended!!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Just kidding.

 

If anything, though not nearly as prevalent as it used to be, Korean physical attributes (height/weight/build) are probably more of a detriment than an advantage. You don't see too many 6'4" Korean dudes, though it's slowly been increasing over the years.

 

It's just a product of a culture that places a high emphasis on a strong work ethic, not embarrassing yourself (saving face), and a tradition of being strong-willed, doing everything all-out (regardless of activity), along with a somewhat addictive characteristic personalities (like drinking, smoking, gambling, golf, etc).

 

Thanks for sharing the article...I hope Huh continues to play well. Another Korean that's on my radar screen is Seung Yul Noh...he definitely looks like he's got game...