Tom Kim is back on top, scoring a massive win at the Genesis Scottish Open on Sunday, and seriously, it has been a *long* time coming. His last PGA Tour victory felt like ages ago, way back in October 2023. But the 24-year-old just snapped that drought, making this his fourth PGA Tour title, and he looks totally locked in, right where he belongs at the summit of the game. What's even wilder is what he revealed about the legendary Tiger Woods right after his superb win.
Tiger's Text and a True Mentorship
Kim wasn't just grinding it out alone during those tough times. He's got some serious heavy hitters in his corner: Scottie Scheffler and Tiger Woods. Scheffler apparently never doubted Kim would get back to his best, which tells you how highly golf's current king thinks of him. But Woods? He was right there, guiding the South Korean through the struggles, a true mentor. Kim opened up about just how much the 15-time major champion has helped him recently. When reporters at The Renaissance Club on Thursday asked if he leaned on anyone specific, his answer was pure gold. “Not exactly someone else. I think Scottie has been such a great role model for a lot of people,” Kim said. “If you listen to his press conferences, it comes from a lot of self-awareness and a lot of maturity.” But then he dropped the real bombshell: “You know, I’ve gotten to be able to , obviously on TGL being on Tiger’s team, I’ve been able to ask him questions on certain things. He’s been really helpful a lot of the time.” And the clincher? “You know, this was my first win in three years, and the first person that texted me was Tiger Woods. Shows you the person he is and how much he cares.” That's just wild, right? A legend like Woods reaching out immediately after the victory proves the depth of their bond and Tiger's genuine care for the younger generation. Kim added that he's been "leaning into the best players in the world," even watching their interviews on YouTube for insights.Learning to Grind Through the Tough Stuff
This win wasn't just about the trophy; it was about Kim proving he could battle through adversity. When asked about a specific low point during his recent struggles, he couldn't pinpoint one, saying, “A lot of moments like that. I can’t really say this exact moment. But there was a lot of moments out on the golf course that felt that way.” He knows this is just part of the golf journey, something he hadn't experienced much early in his career. “I can’t say that I won’t go through it again. Golf is just so unique and so different.” But here's the kicker, and why this win is so important: "at least I now know I have the experience of how to deal with those moments." That's huge. Kim is going to hold those lessons “to my core for as long as I can,” focusing on growth. He’s learned how to navigate the mental game when things get rough, and that experience is going to be invaluable for the rest of his career. He's back in the winner's circle, and he's bringing a whole new level of maturity and resilience to the course.This article was created with AI assistance and reviewed by Seattle On Tap editorial staff. Always verify information with official team sources.