Tom Kim claims fourth PGA Tour title at the Genesis Scottish Open
Tom Kim secured his fourth PGA Tour title on Sunday, achieving this milestone at the Genesis Scottish Open after over a thousand days without a victory, reports BritPanorama.
The 24-year-old South Korean displayed his skill with a remarkable bogey-free round of 64, concluding with a score of 17-under par. His performance was enough to outpace Min Woo Lee by two shots at The Renaissance Club.
What followed immediately after highlighted the significance of his victory. “This was my first win in three years, and the first person that texted me was Tiger Woods,” Kim revealed.
Kim has forged a strong relationship with Woods, as both are teammates in TGL, the indoor golf league co-founded by Woods and Rory McIlroy. This support system has been beneficial to Kim, who described Woods as someone he can lean on for advice. “Being on Tiger’s team in TGL, I’ve been able to ask him questions and he’s been really helpful a lot of the time,” Kim explained.
Woods has a reputation for being one of the first to reach out after significant victories, a detail previously noted by McIlroy. “Like, he’ll text you, like, before the last putt drops,” he shared. This camaraderie and support appear to have played a role in Kim’s recent resurgence.
Kim’s journey to this triumph was marred by a significant drop in form. After an impressive start to his career with three wins by the end of 2023, he faced challenges that saw him tumble out of the world’s top 100 and miss qualifications for major championships, including the 2026 Masters and PGA Championship.
His path back to contention culminated in a strong performance at the US Open at Shinnecock Hills, where he finished solo third, which he credited as a pivotal moment that restored his confidence heading into Scotland. Kim’s win elicited visible emotion as he reflected on his challenging journey, stating, “I just remember how I felt a lot of the times when I wasn’t playing well and it was difficult. Golf is a very up-and-down sport. I’m definitely appreciating this more now than I did a couple of years ago.”
Kim also acknowledged the role of current world number one Scottie Scheffler as an influence, praising his “self-awareness and maturity.” The support from local fans in Scotland was another highlight for Kim, who remarked on the exceptional atmosphere, despite the strong backing for local favourite Bob MacIntyre. “The Scottish fans are some of the best fans in the world,” he concluded. “It’s the Home of Golf, so to be able to win a trophy here, it’s awesome for me.”
With his latest victory, Tom Kim not only demonstrates his return to form but also serves as a reminder of the intricate ties within professional golf — how mentorship and camaraderie can shape the careers of players in a sport defined by its individualistic nature.
