Las Vegas, a city known for its bright lights and round-the-clock entertainment, has witnessed countless golfing legends over the years. But for a brief moment, the walls of TPC Summerlin celebrated the success of a rising star, Tom Kim. The historic hallway, adorned with photos of golfing greats like Tiger Woods and Arnold Palmer, now proudly features a snapshot of Kim. His victory at the 2022 Shriners Children’s Open made him the first player since Woods to win twice on TOUR before turning 21. This achievement marked him as one of the sport’s most promising talents.
Returning to TPC Summerlin for the 2023 Shriners Children’s Open, Kim eagerly observed his photo on the wall – a visual reminder of his remarkable accomplishment. Kim had noticed the absence of this picture on a prior visit to the club earlier in the year. As he walked past it each day during the tournament, it served as both a reminder of what he had achieved and an incentive to push even further.
“I really don’t want anyone else’s photo up here,” Kim expressed with determination, clearly determined to add to his burgeoning legacy.
And Kim did not disappoint. He delivered a final-round 66 to secure victory at the 2023 Shriners Children’s Open, narrowly edging out Adam Hadwin. With this win, Kim becomes the fourth-youngest golfer ever to attain three TOUR victories, a distinction shared only by Gene Sarazen, Horton Smith, and Tiger Woods, all of whom achieved this at a younger age.
For the 21-year-old golf prodigy, this win represents the culmination of a season filled with hard work and moments of self-discovery. He candidly shared that his earlier successes had led to high expectations, and when he faced a challenging summer, he felt the pressure to maintain his excellence. However, under the guidance of coach Chris Como, known for his work with golfing legends like Woods and Jason Day, Kim found his rhythm once again.
Their partnership quickly bore fruit, with Kim delivering impressive performances. This season saw him achieve career-best results at major tournaments, as well as a solid finish in the FedExCup. Kim’s success also led him to try his hand at international events, delivering notable performances on the DP World Tour in September.
The 2023 Shriners Children’s Open served as a beacon for Kim, an opportunity to defend his title. Throughout the week, Kim consistently posted strong rounds, creating the groundwork for his victory. His exceptional play and strong performance in the tournament’s final round reflect the commitment and resilience that are quickly becoming his hallmarks.
Kim’s journey is an amalgamation of youthful exuberance and a mature approach to his game. He’s not just a golfer but an engaging personality who, in the same breath, can crack a joke and exhibit unwavering focus. His willingness to appreciate the small pleasures, like finishing a piece of chocolate he’s been saving, alongside his dedication to his craft, makes him a unique and endearing figure in the sport.
As a rising star in the golfing world, Kim’s story is an inspiring one. A testament to hard work, self-discovery, and unwavering dedication, Tom Kim’s journey is far from over. His victory at the Shriners Children’s Open serves as a stepping stone to a promising future. Enjoy the white chocolate and savor the sweet taste of victory, Tom, for you have much more to achieve in the golfing world.
Now, ready to explore the winner’s outfit as well as the top 3 on the field? Here is all the info:
Champion: Tom Kim
Runner Up: Adam Hadwin
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