In a dramatic playoff round at the Travelers Championship, Scottie Scheffler and his close friend Tom Kim faced off, highlighting both the challenges and joys of competing against a friend. Scheffler, who ultimately triumphed, spoke candidly about the difficulty of playing against Kim on the PGA Tour.
“It’s great competing against one of my good buddies, Tom Kim, but it’s also very difficult at the same time. I want what’s best for him, so sometimes it could be hard… It’s fun playing against your friends, but at the same time it’s difficult. Part of me wants him to miss the putt, while part of me wants him to make the putt,” Scheffler shared via PGA Tour on X.
Their bond was evident throughout the tournament, from their on-course interactions to Kim greeting Scheffler’s wife, Meredith, after the final round. The two golfers, who have built a strong friendship through practice rounds in Dallas, Texas, showcased their camaraderie and mutual respect.
On June 23, 2024, at TPC River Highlands in Cromwell, Connecticut, Scheffler and Kim were tied at 22-under, leading to a tense playoff round. Scheffler, the world’s top-ranked golfer, narrowly edged out Kim by one stroke to secure his sixth PGA Tour victory of the season.
While it was tough for Scheffler to see his friend lose, he couldn’t help but feel a sense of accomplishment with his win. Kim, currently ranked No. 16 in the world, is steadily climbing toward the Top 10, and both players look forward to more competitive yet friendly encounters in the future.