As the 2024 Shriners Children's Open tees off at TPC Summerlin in Las Vegas, Nevada, all eyes are on Tom Kim, the tournament's two-time defending champion, who is looking to etch his name into the history books with a potential three-peat victory. If successful, Kim would become the first golfer to achieve this feat since 2011 when Steve Stricker won the John Deere Classic for the third year in a row , a milestone that he finds both exciting and humbling.
During a press conference held on Tuesday, Kim expressed optimism about his current form, coming off a strong performance at the Presidents Cup.
"Game is in a good spot," Kim stated, acknowledging the additional challenge posed by the forecasted heavy winds early Friday morning. The 24-year-old golfer emphasized the importance of adapting to the conditions and maintaining focus on his game plan.
Kim also shared his anticipation for playing alongside Kevin Yu and Matt McCarty, noting McCarty's impressive victory last week and expressing eagerness to meet last week's winner for the first time.
Related: Matt McCarty Triumphs at Inaugural Black Desert Championship
Despite not having won a tournament since his last victory at TPC Summerlin, Kim remains confident in his ability to compete at the highest level. Reflecting on the past year, Kim discussed the lessons learned from a grueling nine-week playing schedule over the summer. The demanding stretch left him feeling exhausted, prompting a much-needed break and time spent at home in Korea. This break allowed him to recharge and gain perspective outside of golf, which he credits for his solid performance at the Presidents Cup.
"Yeah, I think so, ever since Memphis. I don't know how many weeks that is. I played once in the last seven, eight weeks, right, if that's correct, since Memphis. So I've had some nice time off. I'm kind of coming back to seeing again. I'm seeing life again outside of golf which is really cool. I got to go home to Korea for four days after the Playoff. Presidents Cup I felt like was a really good week for me, because going off that stretch and taking four weeks off and then playing Presidents Cup at a high, intense level, to be able to perform pretty well in my eyes, was good to see."
Kim's approach to the game has evolved, focusing more on strategic play rather than solely on making birdies. He highlighted the importance of taking advantage of TPC Summerlin's layout, particularly the stretch from the 13th to the 16th holes, which offers multiple birdie opportunities. Good ball striking and smart decision-making have been key to his success at the course.
"You have to plot your way around and you can't just hit it 180 ball speed and hit it everywhere. You have to hit it straight. That's been a strength of my game. And again, you have to stick to your game plan and be pretty smart."
Amidst discussions of the significant prize money in modern golf, Kim remains grounded, emphasizing gratitude for the opportunity to compete and provide for his loved ones. He also reminisced about his viral chocolate celebration following last year's victory.
As Kim prepares to defend his title at the 2024 Shriners Children's Open, his journey reflects not just a quest for a historic victory but also personal growth and maturity. With his strategic mindset and refreshed outlook, Kim is poised to tackle the challenges ahead, making this year's tournament an event to watch.
Related: 2024 Shriners Children's Open: Course & Field Preview, Key Stats, Odds
Follow @OnTapGolf on X for more golf news and updates !
Local News
Comments / 0