Tom Kim was involved in another act of defiance during the third day of the Presidents Cup, with the 22-year-old appearing to be less than impressed not to be given a ‘gimme’ putt
Tom Kim dropped his putter to show how he didn’t appreciate having to sink a shot from close range (
Image: X)
Tom Kim was far from happy with the behaviour of Patrick Cantlay and Xander Schauffele on the third day of the Presidents Cup.
In partnership with Si Woo Kim, the International Team tried to recover from an 8-6 deficit before the final day, and it seemed tensions flared up on the seventh hole. The USA team’s putt was conceded, and after Si Woo chipped a ball that landed within three feet of the hole, the International Team hoped for the same courtesy.
However, this was not granted, forcing Tom to tap in the ball. In doing so, the 22-year-old placed his putter on the ground to indicate the distance between the ball and the hole.
More than anything, it was his way of showing the putt should have been conceded, though it seemed his intended audience missed his act of defiance.
As Tom’s ball dropped into the hole, Cantlay and Schauffele had already started walking to the next hole, meaning the 22 year old’s display was only for his teammate Si Woo. After Tom retrieved his ball, he seemed still annoyed by having to putt the ball from such a close distance, shaking his head as he caught up to Si Woo/
A similar incident happened during the Ryder Cup in 2021. After being denied a gimme by Tommy Fleetwood and Viktor Hovland, Bryson DeChambeau made a similar gesture, placing his putter on the green as he stared at Fleetwood and Hovland, seemingly suggesting they should have conceded the putt.
Social media users were not impressed with his performance, with many suggesting that if it was such an easy task for the star, he should have no problem accomplishing it. This recent event marks an intriguing few days for him and his journey in the Presidents Cup.
Tom Kim didn’t hide his displeasure with how Team USA played during the Presidents Cup ( Photo by Tracy Wilcox/PGA Tour)
In a match against Scottie Scheffler and Russell Henley, Tom Kim and the world No. 1 had a verbal exchange and displayed their competitive spirit, despite being close friends.
On Thursday’s 7th hole, he scored a long birdie, providing the International Team with the boost they needed to compete, and let out a triumphant roar as a result.
Witnessing this, Scheffler also scored a long putt to retaliate against his friend. As the ball was falling, Scheffler turned to Tom and shouted “WHAT WAS THAT? ” in his direction.
In response, he simply smiled and waved his hand as he and his teammate Sungjae Im moved on to the next hole. He later clarified his actions and explained that he did not intend to undermine his friend in any way.
“It wasn’t trying to be cheap or do anything like that. We were focused on our own game,” the South Korean stated. “He’s (Scheffler) a good friend. But at the same time, this week I don’t like him.
“I want to beat him so bad, and I’m sure he feels the same way”. Scheffler echoed Tom’s sentiments. “I would have done the same thing back at home,” he said. “It’s all in good fun. We’re friends after. We’re not friends during.”
US assistant captain Kevin Kisner didn’t hold back when criticising the encounter between Tom and Scheffler during a recent golf tournament. Speaking to Golf Channel, Kisner expressed his disdain for their conduct.
“They took gamesmanship too far and over the line on sportsmanship and lose some integrity,” said Kisner. “I thought it was pretty bush league and I told Camilo that if that’s the way they want to do it, then game on. If you can p— off my No. 1 player in the world, then I’m all for it!”.
