Kim’s first a record-setting feat
SILVIS: Michael Kim made his longawaited first PGA Tour triumph a recordbreaker on Sunday, winning the John Deere Classic by eight strokes with a finalround 66.
The South Korean-born American finished with a 27-under total of 257 — one stroke better than the previous tournament record set by Steve Stricker in 2010.
Kim also posted the tournament’s largest margin of victory — by four strokes — since it moved to TPC Deere Run in 2000.
“I’m just really thankful and proud,” said Kim. “I feel like I’ve been running on fumes the entire back nine. I’m just super-thankful, thankful to my parents, my team, my coaches ...”
A day after celebrating his 25th birthday, Kim punched his ticket to this week’s British Open at Carnoustie.
Italy’s Francesco Molinari and Americans Joel Dahmen, Sam Ryder and Bronson Burgoon shared second on 265 at the Silvis, Illinois, layout.
Kim, a contemporary of young tour standouts Jordan Spieth and Justin Thomas, enjoyed an outstanding amateur career.
But he didn’t get his first PGA victory until his 84th start — a win that certainly wasn’t looking likely when he missed the cut in five of six prior starts.
“It’s been a tough first half of the year, but to be able to finish out in style like this means a lot,” said Kim.