Norman Xiong Bio
Norman Xiong is an American professional golfer born on November 9, 1998, in Guam. He has earned recognition through a decorated amateur career and has since built a presence on the PGA Tour and Korn Ferry Tour. Known on the course as “The Panda,” Xiong turned professional in 2018 and has continued to develop his game on the top developmental circuit in the United States.
Standing 6 feet 1 inch tall and weighing 185 pounds, Xiong combines physical tools with a focused competitive approach. A former standout at the University of Oregon, he received the Haskins Award in 2018 as the most outstanding collegiate golfer in the country. He currently resides in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Early Life and Background
Norman Xiong was born in Guam to Hmong parents. When he was six years old, he relocated to San Diego, California, with his mother, Jing, and his uncle, James Xiong. The move introduced him to new opportunities in the continental United States and set the foundation for his future in golf.
In San Diego, Xiong joined the Pro Kids First Tee Program founded by Ernie Wright. The program gave him early access to coaching, equipment, and structured competition. His uncle James Xiong also played an important role, serving as his golf coach from an early age and supporting his development through formative junior tournaments.
These early experiences allowed Xiong to build a strong technical base and a competitive mindset. The combination of community-based instruction and family mentorship helped him transition from a casual interest in the sport into a serious pursuit during his teenage years.
Path to Professional Golf
Xiong attended Temescal Canyon High School in Lake Elsinore, California, where he became one of the most accomplished junior golfers in the country. He won the Junior World Championship and the Junior PGA Championship, earned first-team American Junior Golf Association All-American honors, and was recognized as the top junior golf prospect in California.
Leaving high school early to enroll at the University of Oregon in January 2017, Xiong immediately made an impact. In his first semester he won the Phil Mickelson Award as the nation’s top freshman. Later that summer, he captured the Western Amateur by defeating Doc Redman after 22 holes. He was also selected for the American team at the 2017 Walker Cup, where he posted a 3–0–1 record as the United States won the cup.
His amateur success reached its peak in 2018, when Xiong received both the Jack Nicklaus Award as the Division I men’s golfer of the year and the Haskins Award as the most outstanding collegiate golfer. Casey Martin, his coach at Oregon, compared his development to Tiger Woods at the same age. Xiong announced he was turning professional in May 2018.
Norman Xiong Career
Early Career (2018–2019)
Xiong made his professional debut at U.S. Open sectional qualifying on June 4, 2018. Later that year, on December 9, he finished second in Korn Ferry Tour qualifying to earn his playing card for the 2019 season. The achievement confirmed his transition from elite amateur golf to the professional ranks.
His rookie season proved challenging, as he made just five cuts in 21 events and ultimately lost his Korn Ferry Tour status after shooting 81 in the first round of Q-School. The stretch tested his resolve but also provided important experience for the seasons ahead.
Korn Ferry Tour Breakthrough (2021–2023)
In July 2021, Xiong returned to competitive golf as a Monday qualifier for the 3M Open, marking his first start on the PGA Tour in more than two years. The appearance signaled his re-emergence on higher-level competition and served as a springboard for the next stage of his career.
In June 2022, Xiong won the Korn Ferry Tour’s Wichita Open after Monday qualifying, earning full status on that tour. A victory the following year at the Nationwide Children’s Hospital Championship secured his PGA Tour card for the 2024 season and confirmed his arrival as a player ready for the game’s top level.
Notable Events and Milestones
Among Xiong’s signature moments are his 2017 Western Amateur victory over Doc Redman and his 3–0–1 performance at the 2017 Walker Cup. He has also earned two Korn Ferry Tour wins, including the Wichita Open and the Nationwide Children’s Hospital Championship. His 2018 Haskins Award remains a defining honor from his collegiate career.
Norman Xiong Career Wins
Norman Xiong has accumulated two professional victories on the Korn Ferry Tour. Both wins came after Monday-qualifying efforts, demonstrating his ability to peak when given limited preparation time.
Korn Ferry Tour Highlights
Xiong’s first Korn Ferry Tour win came at the 2022 Wichita Open, which he captured after Monday qualifying to secure full playing privileges on the tour. His second victory followed at the Nationwide Children’s Hospital Championship in 2023, a result that earned him a PGA Tour card for the 2024 season.
Other Wins and Performances
Beyond his Korn Ferry Tour successes, Xiong’s amateur résumé includes the Junior World Championship, the Junior PGA Championship, the Phil Mickelson Award, the Western Amateur, and a perfect contribution to the United States’ 2017 Walker Cup victory. He also earned the Jack Nicklaus Award in 2018.
Norman Xiong Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Norman Xiong was raised in a Hmong household in Guam before relocating to San Diego at the age of six. His mother, Jing, and his uncle, James Xiong, were central figures during his early years and his introduction to the game of golf.
Personal Life
Xiong maintains strong ties to his family, which has remained a steady presence throughout his career. His uncle, James Xiong, served as his early golf coach and helped guide him from introductory programs in San Diego to elite junior competition. He currently resides in Las Vegas, Nevada.
2025 Season Performance
Entering 2025, Norman Xiong holds his PGA Tour card after a successful Korn Ferry Tour campaign that included the 2023 Nationwide Children’s Hospital Championship victory. The season represents his opportunity to consolidate his position on the game’s primary tour and to compete in a fuller schedule of high-profile events.
Key results early in the season will shape his path toward FedEx Cup points and playing status for the following year. Continued strong play would also bring longer-term security and access to invitational tournaments that reward consistent performance.
With two Korn Ferry Tour wins already on his résumé and a competitive foundation built through years of amateur and professional experience, Xiong approaches 2025 with momentum. His progression through Monday qualifying and developmental events has prepared him for the demands of full-time PGA Tour competition.
