Tom Kim has disclosed that golf legend Tiger Woods sent him a congratulatory text message shortly after Kim's victory at the Scottish Open on Sunday. The 24-year-old South Korean ended a three-year title drought by defeating Min Woo Lee by two strokes, securing his fourth PGA Tour title. Kim expressed that Woods' outreach exemplified the 15-time major champion's character and care for fellow players.
Kim's Emotional Reaction to Woods' Message
Speaking about the gesture, Kim said: "This was my first win in three years and the first person that texted me was Tiger Woods. Shows you the person he is and how much he cares." Kim, who is on Woods' TGL team, has previously sought advice from the golf icon. "Obviously on TGL, being on Tiger's team, I've been able to ask him questions on certain things. He's been really helpful a lot of the time," Kim added.
Kim's Journey: From Early Success to Adversity
Kim burst onto the PGA Tour as a fearless young talent, securing three victories by the end of 2023. However, he faced tougher times thereafter, admitting he "got a taste of humble pie." His recent performances, including a third-place finish at the US Open last month and now the Scottish Open win, mark a resurgence. "This tournament I've really always wanted to win. This is where it all started for me," Kim reflected, noting that the Scottish Open gave him temporary status early in his career, leading to a Presidents Cup appearance.
Full Circle Moment at the Scottish Open
Kim acknowledged previous heartbreaks at the event, including a third-place finish and playing in the final group when Rory McIlroy won. "To be able to finish it off is really cool for me. It's really hard to put into words," he said. He added that the victory felt surreal and that he would likely cry privately. "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 years ago," Kim explained.
Gratitude and Support from Scottish Fans
Kim also praised the Scottish fans, who broke tournament attendance records despite supporting local favorite Bob MacIntyre. "Rob has just done such an amazing job in his career. He's one of the best players in the world," Kim said. "I can definitely see the Scottish fans behind him... but I can still feel the love. The Scottish fans are some of the best fans in the world. It's Home of Golf, so to be able to win a trophy here, it's awesome for me."
Celebration Plans and Future Outlook
When asked about his celebration plans, Kim humorously noted his alcohol-free lifestyle: "I still don't drink alcohol, so probably it's going to be a good water night for me. It's going to take a few cans." Kim's victory at the Renaissance Club underscores his resilience and the support he has received from peers like Woods.
