Tom Kim of South Korea secured his first title in three years at the Genesis Scottish Open, concluding a period marked by challenges in form and confidence. The 24-year-old delivered a flawless final round, carding a 64 to finish 17 under par at the Renaissance Club. This victory marks his fourth PGA Tour title and concludes a 1,001-day winless streak, prompting an emotional response from Kim.
Kim’s performance on the final day saw him surge from one shot back to claim a two-shot victory. He was the only player in the field to avoid a bogey in the fourth round, demonstrating a strong return to form. His win not only brings a significant prize but also secures him a spot in next year’s Masters at Augusta National.
Kim’s Resurgence and Key Moments
The South Korean golfer has openly discussed seeking guidance from Tiger Woods during his difficult period. Woods was reportedly among the first to congratulate Kim on his long-awaited win, highlighting the mentorship and support Kim received. Kim reflected on the past few years, stating he had to “taste a lot of that humble pie” and learn about himself, expressing a deeper appreciation for this victory compared to previous ones.
Kim’s journey back to the winner’s circle follows a significant drop in world rankings, falling outside the top 150 just a month prior. However, a third-place finish at the recent US Open hinted at his revival, which has now been cemented with his performance at the Scottish Open. He has a consistent record at the Renaissance Club, having never finished outside the top 20 in his five visits, including a third-place finish in 2022 that helped him earn PGA Tour status.
A crucial moment in his final round came on the par-four 16th hole. Kim executed an approach shot from over 200 yards to within six feet of the pin, leading to a birdie. He described this shot as potentially “one of the best shots I’ve hit in my career so far.” This play extended his lead and helped him maintain control through the closing holes.
The third round of the tournament faced delays due to a dense sea fog, known as haar, which rolled in from the North Berwick coast. This disruption meant players, including Kim, had a marathon Sunday, completing their third rounds before embarking on the final 18 holes. Kim finished his third round with a 2-under-par 68 before his strong final round.
Chasers and Open Championship Qualifications
Min Woo Lee of Australia finished as the runner-up, two shots behind Kim. Bob MacIntyre, a local favorite, finished four shots adrift alongside Matt Fitzpatrick. MacIntyre, Lee, and Fitzpatrick had shared the lead after the fog-disrupted third round, but Kim’s consistent play ultimately secured him the title.
Despite a strong start with a birdie, MacIntyre’s hopes were hampered by four bogeys in the subsequent nine holes. He rallied with an eagle on the 12th and a couple of closing birdies to finish with a 69. MacIntyre expressed frustration with his performance, particularly his putting, but acknowledged the positive signs from his recent play.
Several players secured spots in next week’s Open Championship at Royal Birkdale. Americans Michael Thorbjornsen and Johnny Keefer, who tied for seventh and third respectively, will make their Open Championship debuts. Frenchman Victor Perez also earned a spot. Rory McIlroy, despite matching Kim’s closing six-under 64, could not overcome his third-round deficit, finishing five strokes behind the winner. McIlroy acknowledged issues in his game, particularly with his iron shots, and plans to work on them before heading to Royal Birkdale.
Kim joins an exclusive group of players from outside the United States to achieve four wins before turning 25, a list that includes Rory McIlroy, Adam Scott, Sergio Garcia, and Hideki Matsuyama. His previous PGA Tour victories include the 2022 Wyndham Championship and the 2022 Shriners Children’s Open.
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Source: bbc.com
