​If you were to receive a text from someone after your first PGA TOUR win in three years, Tiger Woods would likely be at the very top of the sender list. For Tom Kim, who at 24 became a four-time TOUR winner this Sunday with his victory at the Genesis Scottish Open, that scenario was exactly the reality. “Obviously on TGL being on Tiger’s team, I’ve been able to ask him questions on certain things,” Kim said after closing out a final-round 64 and securing a two-shot victory. “He’s been really helpful a lot of the time. You know, this was my first win in three years, and the first person that texted me was Tiger Woods. It shows you the kind of person he is and how much he cares.”
Woods has faced his own battles in recent years, including a car accident that prompted a temporary pause from the game to focus on health, recovery, and personal well-being. After undergoing rehab in Sweden, he made a public return at the Travelers Championship, where he introduced TOUR CEO Brian Rolapp ahead of the reveal of significant changes planned for the circuit in 2028. Woods’ presence at that event underscored his ongoing influence and commitment to the sport, even as he continues to navigate his own health and career decisions.
Kim’s triumph at the Scottish Open was not entirely out of the blue. In fact, it aligned with the momentum he’d been building across the season. He entered the week with strong recent results, and his performance at the Renaissance Club underscored his consistency. Earlier in the season, Kim earned a bronze medal at the U.S. Open and had a solid run at the RBC Canadian Open, tying for 15th. He also made four previous appearances at the venue with top-20 finishes in every start, signaling his comfort level at the layout and his ability to manage the golf course’s challenges.
His latest win now sets up a big swing toward The Open at Royal Birkdale. The Open Championship has become a focal point for Kim as he looks to extend his major championship résumé. He enters the major season finale with some positive momentum and high confidence, even as he contends with the realities of big-tour competition. Kim had a shaky finish at the last couple of Opens, missing the cut in the most recent attempts, but he previously tied for second at Royal Liverpool in 2023, illustrating his capability to contend on big stages and in high-stakes environments.
With the Genesis Scottish Open victory, Kim adds a pivotal milestone to a rapidly ascending career. The win not only boosts his TOUR totals but also raises his profile on golf’s global stage, amplifying expectations for his performances in major championships and marquee TOUR events going forward. As he prepares for The Open at Royal Birkdale, Kim will look to translate that momentum into continued success, leveraging the support system around him, including mentors and allies from Tiger Woods’ inner circle, who have shown a willingness to share experience and guidance with the young talent.
In the broader context of the TOUR, Kim’s win contributes to a narrative of rising stars maturing at a faster pace, ready to compete with established veterans and secure their place among golf’s elite. The Genesis Scottish Open result adds weight to Kim’s résumé and signals that his best golf could still be ahead, even as he enjoys the immediate fruits of a fourth TOUR victory. Fans and analysts will be watching closely to see how he harnesses this momentum as he targets a strong showing at The Open and positions himself as a serious contender in major championships in the months to come.