South Korea’s Tom Kim is all set to defend his title at the Shriners Children’s Open 2023, TPC Summerlin, Las Vegas. Last year, the 20-year-old, historically, outlasted world number four Patrick Cantlay and won the Shriners Children’s Open. 

Kim became the second golfer ever to win 2 PGA Tour titles before turning 21 after Tiger Woods (1996). Being the one to do so after 27 years of difference is a brilliant feat. Before the 2023 edition starts on 12th October, let’s see what the golfer said about his triumph and about comparison to the ever-legendary Tiger Woods.

Tom Kim lifts the Shriners Children’s Open Cup in a remarkable performance

Kim Joo Hyung, aka Tom Kim, changed his name to ‘Tom’ after his favorite children’s play train. He has done what many others could not. At the budding age of 20, Tom is getting compared to the greatest of all time Tiger Woods. 

Kim was tied at the 17th hole with Patrick Cantlay. Cantlay made a triple bogey and Tom “got very lucky” winning the Open. Moreover, the Korean hadn’t made a single bogey throughout the week and finished 24-under 260. 

In a post-match interview, Kim shared his thoughts about the victory and said, “I’m just really grateful and I’m fortunate to have an opportunity like this. I’m having fun playing on the PGA TOUR. It’s awesome … I’m a 5-year-old at Disneyland for sure.” 

Commenting on being compared to Woods, he said, “A few months ago, I didn’t have any status in the U.S., and now being a two-time winner on TOUR, having that place with Tiger, it’s an unbelievable feeling for me. It’s an honor for me, and it’s definitely a dream come true.” We think Kim surely has gotten the idea as to what it feels like to be on cloud nine!

Tom Kim’s career so far

Tom had his first win at the Wyndham Championship in August, which granted him the PGA Tour card. Then, he performed exceptionally well at the President’s Cup for the international team against Team USA. 

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After finishing at 16 at the 2023 Masters in Augusta National while struggling with a sprained ankle, this is his first victory. He finished eighth at the U.S. Open and second at the 2023 Open Championship. 

Before the Shriners Children’s Open 2023, he finished tied for 6th at the France Open on DP World Tour. He has had ten top 10 positions in a considerably less amount of time. Kim’s success is proof of hard work and sheer dedication. However, only time will tell if Kim can successfully defend his title at TPC Summerlin and come out victorious once again. 

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