Sharing a birthday, Scottie Scheffler and Tom Kim have been good friends for a long time now. However, both of them are facing each other at the Presidents Cup. Scheffler is representing the American squad, while Kim is playing for Team International. Following a series of events, questions have arisen about their friendship. Let’s take a closer look at the situation.
It all started with Thursday’s four-ball match at the Presidents Cup. Scottie Scheffler and Russell Henley were playing against Sungjae Im and Tom Kim. The #1 shot a crucial birdie putt on 7th Hole and excitedly yelled, “What was that?” Yes, just like you, the commentators were also surprised and said, “Scheffler is showing some emotion.” Scheffler is always rather calm on the course and very rarely lets his “psychotic” side out. As it happened, Kyle Porter, a renowned golf media personality, said, “Tom Kim looks (and should be) scared of Scottie.”
Nevertheless, it’s still too soon to say that there is any bitterness in their friendship. However, later Tom Kim did something that even commentators found “disrespectful.” NUCLR GOLF shared a post on X revealing Tom Kim and Sungjae Im vacated the 8th hole to walk 60 yards away to the 9th tee box before Scottie Scheffler finished putting out. Talking about it, Paul McGinley said, “That’s bordering on bad behavior. That’s disrespectful in my opinion.”
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Witnessing this behavior, vice captains Kevin Kisner and Camilo Villegas walked up to Kim and Sungjae Im. John Wood revealed it, saying, “I’m not sure what was said, but it didn’t look all that friendly to be honest with you.” However, let’s not forget that both the golfers are in a tournament where the pressure is high on both teams. Not only that, Scheffler is also known for being a very fierce competitor. Considering that it’s safe to say that whatever happened at the Royal Montreal Golf Club is in the heat of the competition.
Polls of the day Poll 1 of 22 Who do you think is more at fault for the Scheffler-Kim fallout? Scottie Scheffler Tom Kim Both equally Neither, it’s just a rumor Do you think John Daly’s attitude issues should keep him out of the Presidents Cup? Absolutely No way Maybe, but he deserves a chance I don’t care Whats your Perspective on: Did Scottie Scheffler cross the line, or is Tom Kim overreacting to the Royal Montreal incident? Have an interesting take? Join The Debate What do you think is the main reason behind Charlie Woods not attending Stanford? Personal choice Pressure of expectations Different career path Family influence Do you think the LPGA Walmart NW Arkansas Championship is doing enough to support LGBTQ+ women? Absolutely Not at all Could do more Not sure Do you think the Presidents Cup will be the same without Justin Thomas and Jordan Spieth? Absolutely not It will be different but still exciting Yes, it will be fine I don’t care Do you think Jon Rahm’s mysterious illness will affect his performance in the LIV Golf Championship? Yes, definitely No, he’s a fighter Not sure, but it’s concerning Doesn’t matter, he’s a pro Do you think the absence of Justin Thomas and Jordan Spieth will impact the U.S. team’s performance in the Presidents Cup? Yes, significantly No, the new faces will step up Maybe, but it’s uncertain Not at all What do you think is the most impressive aspect of Charlie Woods’ character? His humility His dedication His sportsmanship His academic focus How did Phil Mickelson’s support for his wife Amy during her cancer battle impact your view of him? Increased my respect Made me emotional Didn’t change my view Made me a bigger fan Do you think Paige Spiranac’s comeback will inspire more women to take up golf? Absolutely Maybe Not really No way Do you think Rory McIlroy will bounce back stronger after his recent heartbreaks? Absolutely Not sure No, he’s past his prime Do you think Lydia Ko is serious about retiring after her latest win? Absolutely No way Maybe, but it’s just a tease She needs a break Do you think Lydia Ko will dominate the 2024 NW Arkansas Championship? Absolutely No way Maybe Too early to tell Who do you think will be the standout commentator at the 2024 Presidents Cup? Dan Hicks Paul Azinger Notah Begay III John Wood Do you think Jon Rahm will dominate the Spanish Open this year? Absolutely No way Maybe, if he stays focused It’s anyone’s game What do you think is the key to Si Woo Kim’s success on the PGA Tour? His golf gear His mental toughness His training regimen His experience Who will you be rooting for in the Walmart NW Arkansas Championship? Top-ranked players Underdogs Local favorites International stars Which format do you find most thrilling in the Presidents Cup? Match Play Four-Balls Foursomes All of them Do you think Scottie Scheffler’s stance on LIV Golf will impact his performance in the Presidents Cup? Yes No Maybe Not sure Do you think LIV Golf’s world domination is inevitable despite the merger uncertainty? Absolutely No way Too early to tell Depends on the merger outcome Do you think Mackenzie Hughes’ beer-chugging act was appropriate for the Presidents Cup? Absolutely Not at all It was entertaining It was disrespectful
View this post on Instagram. A post shared by Tom Kim 김주형 (@joohyungkim0621)
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Scottie Scheffler and Tom Kim both share their birthdays on June 21. Last year, both golfers celebrated their birthdays together. Later, Scheffler also shared a story on his Instagram saying “pizza for the birthday boy” while tagging Tom Kim. Kim also shared a post on his Instagram with a long caption saying “21st birthday and sharing it on the same day with one of my closest friends, big bro.” He also appreciated Scheffler a lot in that post, calling him “pretty much almost everything.” However, this is not the only incident that reflects the depth of their friendship.
Scottie Scheffler consoled Tom Kim after the Paris Olympics
After the Paris Olympics, both golfers were moved to tears. Scheffler became emotional while singing the USA’s national anthem, overwhelmed by the love for his country. Meanwhile, Tom Kim was heartbroken after failing to win a medal and couldn’t hold back his tears. Later, the #1 golfer walked up to Kim and talked to him in private.
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Although Kim didn’t disclose any details about their conversation, it certainly helped him. “[I’ve] never been really emotional after a round. I think these emotions are surprising, but I think it’s just all the hard work I’ve done this year to put myself in this position; those things are coming out. Just the things Scottie said to me after the round really kind of came out, and I’m just trying to hold it together,” as revealed on the Mirror. The two also battled it out in a playoff at the 2024 Travelers Championship, where Scheffler won.
While they seem like rivals on the greens, they are really good friends outside of it. What do you think about Tom Kim and Scottie Scheffler’s friendship? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments below!