Anthony Kim
Age: 23
Professional Golfer
Why he's influential: Because he's America's next great golfing hope. Since going pro in 2006, the 23-year-old has built a reputation on his brash attitude, stubbornness... and serious talent on the course. I've lost track of how long they've been calling Anthony Kim the next Tiger Woods. The comparisons seemed endless, particularly last year when Kim became the first American under 25 since Woods in 2000 to win at least twice in one year on the PGA Tour.
In May 2008, he won his first PGA Tour tournament at the Wachovia Championship, defeating former British Open champion Ben Curtis by five shots. Kim's 16-under par 272 total is the lowest score in the tournament's history.
Two months later, Kim won his second PGA Tour tournament at the AT&T National -- hosted by Tiger Woods himself -- defeating Fredrik Jacobson by two shots. And in September, Kim was a critical part of the United States' victory in the Ryder Cup.
There's no denying the guy's talent. The press, however, has had more than a few questions about his dedication, attitude, and alleged partying ways. But like I said, the guy is just 23, and has demonstrated that he can play and hang with the true pros. And he's just getting started. In time, maybe they'll stop calling him the next Tiger Woods, and simply call him Anthony Kim.
See the rest of the 30 Most Influential Asian Americans Under 30 here.