Tom Kim matches Tiger’s feat with victory at Shriners
South Korean becomes first player since Woods to win second PGA Tour title before turning 21
South Korea’s Tom Kim became the first player since Tiger Woods to secure a second PGA Tour win before turning 21, after outlasting world No 4 Patrick Cantlay for a three-shot victory at the Shriners Children’s Open in Las Vegas.
The 20-year-old Kim fired a flawless 5-under 66 for a record equalling 24-under 260 winning total at TPC Summerlin as Cantlay, who was tied for the lead with one hole remaining, stumbled at the finish line with a triple bogey following an uncharacteristic errant tee shot.
“It’s really amazing. A few months ago, I didn’t have any status in the US, and now being a two-time winner on Tour, having that place with Tiger, it’s an unbelievable feeling for me,” Kim said.
“It’s an honour for me, and it’s definitely a dream come true.”
Tied overnight with Cantlay, the 2017 Shriners Children’s Open winner and 2021 FedExCup champion, Kim seized a two-shot lead at the turn with three birdies on his outward nine.
Cantlay turned on the style with four birdies of his own down the stretch against two more birdies from Kim, which saw the leading duo tied for the lead playing the 18th hole.
Cantlay then pulled his drive into the wasteland and after a failed recovery attempt and a subsequent penalty drop, the American lost his chance for a ninth PGA Tour victory as Kim cruised home with a par to succeed countryman Sungjae Im as champion at TPC Summerlin.
“I got very lucky on the 18th. I’m not going to lie, Patrick played awesome, and it was an honour to battle with him, and to come out on top, I feel very fortunate,” said Kim, who had faced Cantlay twice at the Presidents Cup with one win and one loss.
It has been a wild ride for Kim, who started the year without any status on the PGA Tour. He first earned special temporary membership with a third-place finish at the Genesis Scottish Open in July, a co-sanctioned tournament with the DP World Tour, before winning at the Wyndham Championship.
It was also a week to remember for the Korean contingent as S.H. Kim (66) enjoyed a tied fourth finish on 20-under, Im (67) came in solo seventh in his title defence and Si Woo Kim (67) settled for tied eighth to make it four Koreans in the top-10 of a PGA Tour event for the first time.
Tom Kim will now turn his attention to the Far East this week for the Zozo Championship at Accordia Golf Narashino Country Club in Japan.
Being a two-time winner on tour, having that place with Tiger, it’s an unbelievable feeling
TOM KIM