Pro Golfer Kurt Kitayama Celebrates Family Ties, Including Brother Daniel and Fiancée Eunice Chun

The Arnold Palmer Invitational champion has kept his personal life private, but recently shared his engagement and close relationship with his supportive family.

Apr. 10, 2026 at 6:21pm

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A fragmented, cubist-style painting depicting a golf tournament or match, with overlapping geometric shapes and planes in shades of green, blue, and gold, conveying the dynamic energy and multi-faceted nature of the Kitayama family's involvement in Kurt's golfing success.A cubist interpretation of the Kitayama family's support for Kurt's professional golf career, deconstructing the sport into dynamic geometric forms.Chico Today

Professional golfer Kurt Kitayama was raised in Chico, California by his Japanese-American parents Rumiko and Cliff Kitayama. His older brother Daniel, a former golfer, has caddied for him multiple times, including at the 2025 3M Open. In December 2025, Kurt announced his engagement to his girlfriend Eunice Chun on Instagram. Though Kurt's mother Rumiko was initially hesitant about her sons pursuing golf as a career, she has come to fully support their success in the sport.

Why it matters

Kurt Kitayama's story highlights the important role family can play in supporting an athlete's journey, even when a career path may seem unconventional. His close relationship with his parents and brother, and his recent engagement, provide a personal glimpse into the life of a rising golf star.

The details

Kurt Kitayama was born on January 14, 1993 in Chico, California to parents Rumiko and Cliff Kitayama. He and his older brother Daniel were raised in Chico, where they both took up golf at a young age. Daniel initially inspired Kurt to play golf, and the two brothers would spend time at the Butte Creek Country Club. After leaving home to play golf at the University of Hawaii-Hilo, Daniel decided competitive golf was not for him and became a caddie, including caddying for Kurt on multiple occasions. Rumiko was initially hesitant about her sons pursuing golf as a career, joking that she 'used to think that golf professional was not a real job.' However, she has since come to fully support their success, expressing pride in Kurt's $20 million win at the 2023 Arnold Palmer Invitational. In December 2025, Kurt announced his engagement to his girlfriend Eunice Chun on Instagram.

  • Kurt Kitayama was born on January 14, 1993 in Chico, California.
  • In 2006, Kurt's brother Daniel left home to play golf at the University of Hawaii-Hilo.
  • In 2023, Kurt won $20 million at the Arnold Palmer Invitational.
  • In July 2025, Kurt's brother Daniel caddied for him at the 3M Open.
  • On November 28, 2025, Kurt Kitayama proposed to his girlfriend Eunice Chun.

The players

Kurt Kitayama

A professional golfer who was raised in Chico, California by his Japanese-American parents Rumiko and Cliff Kitayama. He has won several high-profile tournaments, including the 2023 Arnold Palmer Invitational.

Daniel Kitayama

Kurt Kitayama's older brother, who was a former golfer himself and has caddied for Kurt multiple times, including at the 2025 3M Open.

Rumiko Kitayama

Kurt Kitayama's mother, who was born and raised in Japan before moving to California and meeting her husband Cliff. She was initially hesitant about her sons pursuing golf as a career.

Cliff Kitayama

Kurt Kitayama's father, who is also of Japanese descent and raised his two sons with his wife Rumiko in Chico, California.

Eunice Chun

Kurt Kitayama's fiancée, whom he proposed to in November 2025.

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What they’re saying

“My mom didn't answer so I called my dad. My dad tells me my mom couldn't watch, she was I think out somewhere so she couldn't be too nervous watching.”

— Kurt Kitayama, Professional Golfer

“Then [I] called my girlfriend and she was ecstatic. Stressed. It's really special to be able to call them and see how they are.”

— Kurt Kitayama, Professional Golfer

“Kurt is so fun. He always makes friends easily. So being a caddie is good for him.”

— Rumiko Kitayama, Kurt Kitayama's Mother

“We are so proud. It is unbelievable.”

— Rumiko Kitayama, Kurt Kitayama's Mother

“There's definitely no quit in him. He grinds. He's always believed in himself. He's always chased it.”

— Daniel Kitayama, Kurt Kitayama's Brother

What’s next

Kurt Kitayama and his fiancée Eunice Chun have not yet announced a wedding date, but their engagement is expected to be a major storyline in the upcoming PGA Tour season as Kurt continues his pursuit of more championship titles.

The takeaway

Kurt Kitayama's close-knit family has played a pivotal role in supporting his rise to the top of professional golf, from his brother caddying for him to his parents' initial hesitation turning into immense pride. His recent engagement to Eunice Chun further highlights the importance of personal relationships in the life of an elite athlete.