Tom Kim took more than a thousand days to return to winning on the professional golf circuit, but patience proved decisive for his triumph at the Scottish Open. The South Korean, who nearly claimed the trophy in Scotland four years ago, returned to North Berwick more mature and lifted the cup, finishing the tournament at 17 under par.
At The Renaissance Club, Kim stood out on a weekend marked by adverse weather conditions and a fierce battle for the lead, where 13 players shared the top spot at one point. With an impressive final round of 64 strokes, he secured victory with a two-shot advantage over Min Woo Lee. “I love links golf. I think it requires a lot of patience, and it rewards those who accept the outcomes and have mental strength because it’s not always fair,” Kim explained after his first round of 65 strokes.
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This triumph comes 1,001 days after the player's last victory on the circuit. “This is where it all started for me. I didn’t even have status and ended up in third… to finish this today, to win an event like this, is really special,” said the South Korean after saving par on the final hole. Kim's career start on the PGA Tour was a rollercoaster: in 2022, he became the first since Tiger Woods to win twice before the age of 21, climbed into the top 15 of the world rankings, and joined the Presidents Cup team. However, in 2023, despite successfully defending his title at the Shriners Children’s Open, he went through a tough period, with only one top 10 in 25 tournaments and a drop out of the top 100 in the world.
In the press conference following his victory, Kim reiterated the importance of patience: “I had to be very patient over the last few years. In golf and in life, patience is key. I’ve learned to value it a lot.” This year, with a new caddie, coach, and swing, Kim has regained belief in his potential, evidenced by his qualification for the US Open and a third-place finish at Shinnecock Hills.
His experience on the Scottish links was crucial for the victory. On Wednesday, he faced a tough moment when his ball landed in a divot, but he remained calm and managed to save par, turning adversity into opportunity. “The fourth is a very difficult hole with the wind. Having to hit the ball from a divot was a challenge, but I managed to control it and make birdie to take the lead,” he reported.
Kim led the field in “strokes gained tee-to-green” and showed immense resilience, saving par 12 times after missing the greens, including four perfect bunker recoveries. He closed the event with a crucial par, demonstrating emotional control and confidence in his preparation. “There is always pressure and nerves, but I relied on the experience I gained and the work I put in to get back to these positions. Today was a very special day for me.”
With this victory at the DP World Tour, Kim strengthens his position as one of the best in the world, returning to the top of the official ranking and preparing for the last major of the year with renewed confidence. The patience he cultivated over more than a thousand days seems to have finally paid off.
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