Presidents Cup 2024: Si Woo Kim and Tom Kim have lost their damn minds

Si Woo Kim’s Unconventional Celebration Signals a Shift in Golf Showmanship

Si Woo Kim’s gesture during the Presidents Cup—grabbing his hat with his right hand, only to flip it to his left and congratulate his teammate Tom Kim before the match-winning putt had even stopped rolling—was a scene that captured the essence of match play. It was an unorthodox and playful move, hinting that Si Woo might have embraced a bit too much of his partner’s bold persona. It was a moment that showed he was completely immersed in the competitive spirit.

Yet, it’s clear that these two players are not just caught up in their own hype. They are actively creating an atmosphere that they, their opponents, and the fans are all reveling in. From their passionate displays at Royal Montreal this weekend, to their electrifying performance at Quail Hollow two years prior, the “South Korean Express” is charging forward with an exuberant energy. They may not always stay on the conventional path, but their journey is about more than just the final score. For Si Woo and Tom Kim, sports is about entertainment, and they’ve embraced their roles as performers with enthusiasm.

Of course, winning is still a primary goal. For the first time in recent memory, an International team victory at the Presidents Cup is within reach, even though Si Woo and Tom’s win was the lone bright spot for their side in the Saturday morning session. Despite the high stakes, they are proving that professionalism and showmanship are not mutually exclusive. Their vibrant personalities are injecting much-needed excitement into a sport that often shies away from such displays, benefiting not only the tournament but also the fans and, quite possibly, themselves.

Their flair doesn’t always hit the mark, as seen on Thursday when Tom’s trash talk ended with Scottie Scheffler metaphorically putting him in his place. Critics argue that such antics go against golf’s traditional, gentlemanly nature. But to those who think this exuberance is misplaced, it’s worth noting that the Presidents Cup has struggled to capture the public’s imagination for years. Tom and Si Woo, with their lively antics and raw enthusiasm, are like a shot of nitrous oxide propelling the event forward.

“We had great chemistry at Charlotte, and this week has been no different,” Si Woo said. “I remember our good times there, so yeah, I played well today, and what can I say, Tom Him?”

Indeed, they are naturals in their performances. Golfers are often criticized for their awkward, forced celebrations, which can feel more like a performance of what they think they should do, rather than an authentic expression of joy. Si Woo and Tom, on the other hand, are effortlessly in sync with their emotions. Their authenticity is helping to bridge the gap between players and spectators, a crucial step in revitalizing the Presidents Cup and bringing it closer to where it aims to be.

So, hats off to Si Woo and Tom Kim. While the outcome of the tournament remains undecided, they’ve already shown us something remarkable: sometimes, the journey is just as important as the destination.