Golf’s friendly fire ignites at the Presidents Cup! The prestigious event kicked off with a thrilling Thursday four-ball match. Where Scottie Scheffler and Russell Henley are against Sungjae Im and Tom Kim. As tensions ran high, a surprising exchange between Scheffler and Kim stole the spotlight, leaving fans and fellow golfers stunned. What sparked his fiery remark, and what does it reveal about World No. 1’s competitive spirit?

During the match at the Presidents Cup, World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler unleashed a surprising verbal jab at Tom Kim, who by the way is one of his best friends. After draining a crucial birdie putt on hole 7, he was caught on camera saying, “What was that?” The exchange sparked intense debate among fans and golf analysts, with some interpreting Scheffler’s comment as a lighthearted jab.

However, others saw it as a rare display of intensity from the usually composed golfer. Kyle Porter, a prominent figure in the world of golf media hysterically posted on X after the jab went viral on the internet, “Tom Kim looks (and should be) scared of Scottie.” The World No. 1 is riding a tidal wave of success, with several victories. 7 in the PGA Tour this season including the Masters title and 2 top-10 finishes in majors. His dominance on the course has left many opponents in awe, and Tom Kim is no exception.

But what makes this exchange even more intriguing is the close friendship between Scheffler and Kim. Their bond was forged during a practice round at the 2023 Open Championship. And is built on mutual respect and a shared passion for golf. They also share birthdays on June 21. However, more than friendship, it’s also a valuable learning experience for the 22-year-old. “I’ve asked him a million questions, and he’s given me a million answers,” Kim once said, highlighting the depth of their relationship. 

Coming back to the Presidents Cup, it seems Kim has learned lessons from Scheffler. On the very next hole, Tom Kim delivered a stunning response, draining a clutch birdie putt on par 4, hole 8. He unleashed a fiery celebration moving towards Scottie Scheffler that left him and the crowd stunned. With a defiant uno gesture directed at the 28-year-old, Kim sent a clear message: he wouldn’t back down. Now let’s see how fans chimed into the friendly plus fiery rivalry.

Fans verdict on Scottie Scheffler and Tom Kim’s newest rivalry

Fans offered a blend of reactions as they watched the two friends lock horns in on-course rivalry. One fan, clearly amused by Scheffler’s uncharacteristic intensity, commented, “Prison changed this man.” This reaction ties back to the infamous incident earlier in May when he was arrested during the PGA Championship at Valhalla. Although the charges were later dropped, the fan hilariously linked Scheffler’s on-course boldness to his brief (and very public) legal scare. It’s a cheeky take on how this mild-mannered golfer, known for his calm demeanor, suddenly turned up the heat against one of his closest friends, Tom Kim. This humorous connection lightens the atmosphere and adds to the playful nature of their rivalry.

Adam Hadwin’s wife, Jessica, known for her witty remarks, chimed in with, “Me to literally anything my husband says for a solid 7-14 days a month, #IYKYK.” This refers to the now-viral moment when Scottie Scheffler questioned Kim with a sharp, “What was that?“

Several fans, sensing the deeper bond between the two golfers, were quick to clarify the situation. One explained, “For those that don’t know, they’re very close friends. That’s why Scottie is giving it to him, lol.” Another added, “Relax, they’re good friends.” They reflect the broader understanding that the duo’s exchange wasn’t an act of hostility. But rather a moment of friendly rivalry. Their history goes back to memorable battles, such as the one-round playoff at the 2024 Travelers Championship, where Scheffler triumphed over the South Korean. Kim himself has acknowledged their friendship on Instagram, posting a heartfelt message after that match, writing, “Congrats [Scottie Scheffler], you deserve everything you’ve accomplished; you are a true champion but even a greater friend.“ 

In response to Tom Kim’s fiery celebration on the next hole, one fan admired the theatrics. “Tom Kim is selling the fight. I like it.” Referring to the moment the 22-year-old responded to Scheffler’s jab by draining a crucial birdie and celebrating with a defiant uno gesture. This fan’s comment acknowledges Kim’s ability to add drama and excitement to the game. Although Kim hasn’t won any events in 2024, his consistent performances—including making 18 cuts in 23 events and placing in the top 30 at major championships—highlight his competitive fire. At just 22 years old, Kim has earned a reputation for being a rising star. And his battle with Scheffler at the President’s Cup is just the latest example of his fighting spirit.

Lastly, another fan delivered a playful and vivid metaphor, saying, “His face after Scottie gave it back to him was the look of a boy who just got scolded by his dad for trying to sneak a beer from the garage fridge at age 15.” The moment Kim realized Scheffler wasn’t backing down captured the fiery tension between the two. The fan compared it to a teenage moment of mischief being caught. Adding a funny take on the incident.

These comments help contextualize the moment. It turned what could have been seen as an intense exchange into a fun and respectful duel between two friends.