Former Sooner Star's Success is No Surprise

By Jon Jordan, NEWS 9

NORMAN, Oklahoma -- Those who know Anthony Kim's game best said his success at this weekend's AT&T National tournament came as no surprise.

Former University of Oklahoma golfer turned pro Anthony Kim went into Sunday's tournament tied for the lead but came up short to Tiger Woods.

Johnny Johnson is the golf pro at OU's Jimmie Austin Golf Course, the same golf course where Anthony Kim crafted his skills. Johnson said Kim's skills were like none he had ever seen before.

"Once he gets focused, his ability is unbelievable and the only thing that keeps Anthony back is Anthony," Johnson said.

Johnson said he remembers watching Kim during his three years at OU and knew then Kim's talent was one of a kind.

"Everybody expected him to be successful," Johnson said.

And even though Kim is quickly turning into one of the top golfers in the world, it's clear the 24-year-old hasn't forgotten what helped get him there.

"He still has OU ties, still puts with the putter that has ‘Boomer Sooner' on it. So, his ties with OU is still tight," Johnson said.

Fans who have followed Kim from his early days at OU said they expect to see a lot more of the pro for years to come.

"I think it's great for the OU golf course and the people around him that knew him. He's going to be quite an up and coming new golfer," said fan Glenn Johnson.

And while Johnson says it's certainly special to see him along side Tiger Woods, he's knows it's even more special for Kim.

"He's dreamed about that opportunity," Johnson said.