Tom Kim Captures Scottish Open After 3-Year Drought

Kim’s Emotional Return to Glory

After 1,001 days without a PGA Tour victory, Tom Kim finally broke his long drought at the 2026 Genesis Scottish Open. The South Korean star let out a flood of feelings, thrusting his head into his hands as the moment unfolded in the scoring tent. Kim had shown promise in earlier events, including a solid third at the U.S. Open, but the past few seasons had been a struggle. “I got to taste a lot of that humble pie, and I got to really learn about myself,” he reflected, crediting the support of those who stuck by him through the rough patch.

Sunday’s final round was a masterclass of composure under pressure. Kim posted a spotless six‑under‑par 64, becoming the only player in the field to go bogey‑free. His pivotal birdie on the par‑4 16th – an iron shot from 203 yards that settled within six feet – propelled him two strokes ahead of the field and sealed the win. “The second shot at 16 might be the best shots I’ve hit in my career so far,” Kim said, savoring the moment.

Historic Milestones set by Kim

The victory marks several firsts for Tom Kim. He is the first South Korean ever to claim the Genesis Scottish Open title. Moreover, he becomes just the fourth non‑American golfer to amass four PGA Tour titles before turning 25, joining an elite group that includes Rory McIlroy, Sergio Garcia and Hideki Matsuyama. Kim’s career earnings now exceed $20 million, a testament to his rapid rise after early success in 2022. His early breakthrough came when he became the second‑youngest Tour winner since World War II, a feat he followed up with a second title just months later.

The win also serves as a capstone to a season that had been in search of direction. Kim’s 2025 campaign produced only one top‑10 finish, prompting questions about his ability to return to the form that made him a rising star. However, moments like his strong showing at the Presidents Cup and a solo third at the U.S. Open hinted that the pieces were beginning to align. This championship underscores how perseverance and personal growth can transform setbacks into triumphs.

Victory Gallery

“I played as good as I could have down the stretch with the pressure,” Kim said. “I executed when I needed to. I’m very proud of myself for being calm out there. The last putt, I’ve hit a similar putt like that a lot in my life, in practice so I just told myself it’s the same at home. This is awesome.”

Kim’s 2025 season was a struggle. He had only one top-10 finish and seemed lost. It was hard to forget he had three PGA Tour wins by the time he was 21 and was considered one of the bright young stars on the PGA Tour.

Sure, there were flashes, but Kim seemed lost. There were questions whether he would ever be able to get back to the player that stormed the Tour in 2022 like he did at the Wyndham, winning after starting the tournament with a quadruple bogey.

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Kim was in contention at the U.S. Open, finishing solo third and was on the first page of the leaderboard for a majority of the weekend. It was his first time truly in contention, even if Wyndham Clark was way out in front of the field, in a long time. That was a sign of things to come for Kim.