Kevin Kisner Bio
Kevin James Kisner (born February 15, 1984) is an American professional golfer who plays on the PGA Tour. Born and raised in Aiken, South Carolina, Kisner developed his game in the southeastern United States before emerging as one of the steadiest competitors on tour. He is widely respected for his ball-striking accuracy, calm temperament under pressure, and especially his success in match play formats.
Since turning professional in 2006, Kisner has built a reputation as a formidable competitor in both regular stroke-play events and head-to-head match play. He captured the WGC-Dell Technologies Match Play title in 2019 and has recorded multiple PGA Tour victories over the course of his career. Standing 5 ft 10 in (178 cm) and weighing 165 lb (75 kg), Kisner continues to live in his hometown of Aiken, South Carolina with his family.
Early Life and Background
Kevin James Kisner was born on February 15, 1984, in Aiken, South Carolina, in the United States. Growing up in the small southern city gave him early access to a strong amateur golf scene, and he began refining his skills on local courses throughout his childhood. His upbringing in Aiken shaped both his work ethic and his lifelong ties to the region.
Kisner attended South Aiken High School, where he competed as a junior golfer and established himself as one of the more promising young players in South Carolina. After high school, he continued his career at the University of Georgia, joining a competitive college golf program. At Georgia, Kisner was part of the 2005 NCAA Division I Championship team, playing alongside Chris Kirk, Richard Scott, and Brendon Todd. He graduated in 2006 and made the decision to turn professional.
Path to Professional Golf
Following his graduation from the University of Georgia, Kisner entered the professional ranks in 2006. From 2007 to 2009, he sharpened his game on the mini-tours, competing on both the NGA Hooters Tour and the Tarheel Tour. During that period, he collected three victories and gained the experience needed to test himself at a higher level.
In 2009, Kisner also played in six Nationwide Tour events while continuing his mini-tour schedule. He moved to the Nationwide Tour full-time in 2010, winning the Mylan Classic and finishing 11th on the money list. That finish earned him his PGA Tour card for 2011, marking his first arrival on golf’s biggest stage. After struggling to retain his card in 2011 and 2012, Kisner returned to what was then called the Web.com Tour in 2013, where he won the Chile Classic in March and secured his PGA Tour card for 2014.
Kevin Kisner Career
Early Career (2014-2015)
Kisner’s return to the PGA Tour in 2014 produced several encouraging results. He finished sixth at the Wells Fargo Championship, eighth at the Wyndham Championship, and ninth at the RBC Canadian Open, signaling that his game was approaching a breakthrough on the biggest stages. Those finishes also helped him build the confidence required to contend week after week.
The 2015 PGA Tour season was defined by a string of dramatic runner-up finishes. Kisner was the runner-up three times, each time losing in a sudden-death playoff. He fell to Jim Furyk at the RBC Heritage, lost to Rickie Fowler at The Players Championship after a tense three-hole aggregate playoff, and was eliminated at the Greenbrier Classic by Danny Lee. He also finished second at the WGC-HSBC Champions behind Russell Knox, making 2015 a year of near-misses that nonetheless pushed him into the upper echelon of the rankings.
PGA Tour Breakthrough (2015-2019)
On November 22, 2015, Kisner finally broke through by winning the RSM Classic in his 109th PGA Tour start. He won by six strokes over Kevin Chappell, closing with a final-round 64 after entering the final day with a three-shot advantage. The dominant performance vaulted him into the top 20 of the world rankings and put him atop the early FedEx Cup standings heading into 2016. His highest world ranking came on January 17, 2016, when he reached number 14.
On May 28, 2017, Kisner won his second PGA Tour title at the Dean & DeLuca Invitational, finishing one stroke ahead of three other players. He then reached the championship match of the WGC-Dell Technologies Match Play in both 2018 and 2019. In 2018, he lost the final to Bubba Watson, 7 and 6, but he returned the following year and won the tournament on March 31, 2019, defeating Matt Kuchar 3 and 2. Kisner also tied for second at the 2018 Open Championship and has recorded strong major-championship finishes throughout his career, including a T7 at the 2017 PGA Championship and a T12 at the 2015 U.S. Open.
Wyndham Championship and Recent Form (2021-Present)
In August 2021, Kisner added another PGA Tour title by winning the Wyndham Championship. He captured the trophy with a birdie on the second extra hole of a six-man sudden-death playoff, demonstrating his composure in high-pressure moments. The victory added to his growing reputation as one of the tour’s steadiest performers.
In September 2022, Kisner was selected for the U.S. team at the Presidents Cup, where he tied one and lost two of his three matches. Across his career, he has accumulated four PGA Tour victories, one European Tour win, two Korn Ferry Tour wins, and additional titles on developmental circuits. He has remained a regular presence on the PGA Tour, valued for his consistency and match-play prowess.
Notable Events and Milestones
Among the signature moments of Kisner’s career is his 2019 victory at the WGC-Dell Technologies Match Play, which stands as his most prominent individual title. His six-stroke win at the 2015 RSM Classic also remains one of the most decisive victories of his career, while his six-man playoff win at the 2021 Wyndham Championship highlighted his ability to perform under pressure.
Kevin Kisner Career Wins
Kevin Kisner has compiled ten professional wins across multiple tours, including four on the PGA Tour, one on the European Tour, two on the Korn Ferry Tour, and additional titles on smaller developmental circuits. His PGA Tour playoff record is 1-5, reflecting how often he has found himself in contention, even when finishing as the runner-up.
PGA Tour Highlights
Kisner’s first PGA Tour victory came at the 2015 RSM Classic, where he won by six strokes. His second title came at the 2017 Dean & DeLuca Invitational, followed by the 2021 Wyndham Championship and the 2019 WGC-Dell Technologies Match Play, which counts among his major professional achievements. Each of these wins showcased different elements of his game, from ball-striking to short-game sharpness to match-play composure.
Other Wins and Performances
Beyond the PGA Tour, Kisner won the Chile Classic on the Web.com Tour in 2013 and the Mylan Classic on the Nationwide Tour in 2010. He also recorded three wins on mini-tours between 2007 and 2009. His international profile is bolstered by one European Tour win, and he has consistently performed well in World Golf Championships events, including runner-up finishes at the WGC-HSBC Champions and the WGC-Dell Technologies Match Play.
Kevin Kisner Family
Personal Life
Kevin Kisner is married to Brittany DeJarnett, with the couple tying the knot in 2012. Together, the Kirsners have three children. The family continues to make their home in Aiken, South Carolina, where Kisner was raised and where he developed his love for the game of golf.
Charitable Work
Kisner and his wife, Brittany, founded the Kisner Foundation, an organization dedicated to supporting children in and around Aiken, South Carolina. The foundation focuses on child health, education, and youth sports, reflecting Kisner’s commitment to giving back to the community that shaped him. Through this work, the Kirsners have continued to invest in the next generation of young people in their hometown.
2025 Season Performance
Heading into 2025, Kevin Kisner remains an active member of the PGA Tour, drawing on more than a decade of experience at the highest level of professional golf. His established track record in match play and his consistent ball-striking give him a steady foundation as the new season unfolds. Fans and analysts will be watching to see how he balances his veteran presence with the tour’s growing roster of young talent.
Kisner’s recent form continues to reflect the steady, methodical approach that has defined his career. Even when not contending for individual titles, he has remained a reliable presence in stronger fields and team events. His Presidents Cup experience in 2022 also positions him as a potential candidate for future United States team appearances in international competition.
Looking ahead, Kisner is expected to maintain his role as a respected veteran on the PGA Tour while contributing through his foundation work in Aiken. With multiple PGA Tour wins already secured and a World Golf Championships title to his name, his 2025 season represents another chapter in a career defined by perseverance and consistency.
