If Tom Kim can’t take it, then don’t dish it out…’ | Presidents Cup reaction

Roberts Rants: Tom Kim’s Presidents Cup Performance Showcases Both Energy and Immaturity

Tom Kim, once known for his infectious energy, is now drawing significant criticism for his actions during the Presidents Cup, and rightly so. In his latest “Roberts Rants” column, GolfMagic Editor Andy Roberts shares his thoughts on Kim’s immature and controversial behavior during the event.

Kim’s performance in Canada was underwhelming, to say the least. His record of 1-2-1 was far from impressive, and it seemed to reflect not only his struggles on the course but also his erratic attitude. From the outset, Kim made it clear that he wanted to get under Team USA’s skin, starting on the first tee by encouraging the crowd to cheer as he lined up his shot. However, his attempt to intimidate failed, as his tee shot landed in the trees rather than the fairway.

Kim was paired with his fellow South Korean, Sungjae Im, to face off against Scottie Scheffler and Russell Henley in the fourballs. The Internationals quickly fell behind, 2 down through six holes. Then, on the 7th hole, Kim drained a 30-foot putt and exuberantly celebrated. Yet, the celebration was short-lived when Scheffler made his own putt to halve the hole, leaving Kim visibly embarrassed as he walked off the green.

Kim’s antics continued on the next hole. After sinking another birdie, his celebration was more subdued, but once again, Scheffler had the chance to tie. This time, as Scheffler lined up his putt, Kim and Im headed off to the 9th tee, a move that caused outrage on social media. Kim’s fans attempted to justify the action, claiming Camilo Villegas had instructed him to do it, but this excuse didn’t hold water. Kim is 22, old enough to make his own decisions, and walking off the green while an opponent is still putting goes against basic golf etiquette.

Adding to Kim’s growing list of questionable behavior, he had previously left a dent on a green out of frustration just a month before, for which he issued a vague apology, claiming he “wasn’t aware” of the damage he had caused.

USA assistant captain Kevin Kisner didn’t hesitate to express his disapproval after the 8th-hole incident, confronting Villegas about the disrespectful behavior. Golf Channel’s Paul McGinley also blasted the International team for their poor sportsmanship. Kisner warned that riling up World No.1 Scheffler was a mistake, and he was right—Scheffler and Henley went on to birdie four of the next seven holes, comfortably winning 3&2.

After the defeat, Kim sulked in the media center and criticized the home crowd for not being vocal enough in their support. This outburst only made things worse, as it came off as deflection from his poor performance. To make matters more puzzling, Kim was benched for Friday’s foursomes, despite being one of the stronger International players on paper. Whether this decision was pre-planned or due to Kim’s performance and attitude, it ultimately paid off as the Internationals staged a remarkable comeback to tie the match 5-5 heading into the weekend.

To Kim’s credit, he rebounded on Saturday, teaming up with Si Woo Kim to defeat Keegan Bradley and Wyndham Clark 4&3 in the morning foursomes. However, this was the Internationals’ only point of the session as Team USA extended their lead. Kim’s momentum didn’t last long, as he and Si Woo lost a close afternoon match 1 down to Patrick Cantlay and Xander Schauffele. The 7th hole once again proved pivotal, with Kim being asked to putt from just under three feet. His exaggerated reaction, laying down his putter to suggest the putt was “inside the leather,” came across as immature and attention-seeking.

The Internationals managed to rally back and tie the match later on, thanks to Si Woo Kim’s remarkable chip-in on the 16th hole, but Cantlay ultimately delivered the knockout blow with a 20-foot birdie on the 18th, securing a 1-up victory. In a post-match jab, Wyndham Clark mocked the Internationals’ earlier celebration by calling out, “Nighty night, boys,” as Team USA celebrated their victory.

Following the defeat, Kim returned to the media center to complain once again, this time about supposed unsportsmanlike behavior from the American fans. He claimed to have heard players cursing at him and his teammates, though he later apologized for his comments, acknowledging that they were a result of frustration and misunderstanding.

Kim’s final act of the week was a tied singles match with Sam Burns on Sunday. Kim had a chance to win the match with a 12-foot putt on the 18th hole but missed, marking another missed opportunity. Shortly after, Keegan Bradley sealed Team USA’s victory, bringing the Presidents Cup to an end with an 18.5-11.5 scoreline in favor of the Americans.

Despite his energy and passion, Kim’s Presidents Cup performance left much to be desired. His immaturity on and off the course overshadowed any success he may have had, and his record now stands at an unimpressive 3-5-1. Comparisons to Ian Poulter, known for his Ryder Cup heroics, may be tempting in terms of energy, but unlike Poulter, Kim has yet to prove he can deliver when it matters most.

For now, Tom Kim remains a young talent with potential, but he has a lot of growing up to do if he wants to earn the respect of his peers and fans alike.