Scottie Scheffler words to Tom Kim reduce him in tears after Olympic heartbreak

**Scottie Scheffler Claims Olympic Gold, Consoles Close Friend Tom Kim in Emotional Finale**

Scottie Scheffler, moments from winning an Olympic gold medal, took a poignant moment to embrace and console his close friend, South Korean golfer Tom Kim, during the final round of the Olympic men’s golf competition at Le Golf National on Sunday.

Scheffler began the final round four strokes behind the leader, tied with several international competitors at 10-under-par. The PGA Tour star dazzled with five successive birdies and a par on the 18th, setting a course record of 62 and securing the gold medal, edging out Team Great Britain’s Tommy Fleetwood.

In stark contrast, Kim entered the day in contention for a bronze medal, which would have exempted him from South Korea’s mandatory military service. Unfortunately, his hopes were dashed by a disastrous double-bogey on the final hole. As Scheffler stood on the verge of adding another highlight to his remarkable 2024 season, he paused to comfort his friend and course partner, bringing Kim to tears.

“I’ve never been really emotional after a round. I think these emotions are surprising, but it’s just all the hard work I’ve done this year to put myself in this position,” Kim told reporters. “Just the things Scottie said to me after the round really kind of came out, and I’m just trying to hold it together.” Kim declined to share the specifics of their conversation, stating, “It is more a private conversation. So just grateful for the friendship.”

Born in Seoul, Kim spent much of his childhood in Southeast Asia and Australia before returning to South Korea to launch his golf career. He won the 2021 Korean Tour Player of the Year award and earned his PGA Tour card the following year, winning three events since then. Kim highlighted that his friendship with Scheffler began before he had achieved any status.

South Korea mandates most men to complete an 18-21 month military service before they turn 28, which can be particularly disruptive to athletes’ careers. Exceptions are granted to those who win gold in the Asian Games or any Olympic medal. Kim’s failure to secure a medal left him understandably distraught, with Scheffler empathizing deeply with his friend’s situation.

“He’s a really good buddy of mine. We are probably going to play some golf again next week. He understands what I’ve gone through. Just those things and a friend to say something like that after what he did, it means a lot,” Kim said.

The pair’s bond extends beyond the golf course. Kim shared that even outside tournaments, they spend time together, noting, “There’s a lot of friends out here that you just meet for golf, not really outside. He’s one of the few people that, back at home, we still hang out. For me, he’s just Scottie Scheffler.”

This emotional moment highlighted the depth of their friendship, even amid the high-stakes competition of the Olympic Games.