Tom Kim Ends 3-Year Drought With Scottish Open Win

Tom Kim reminded the golf world why he was once compared to Tiger Woods, shooting a brilliant final-round 64 to win the Genesis Scottish Open and end a nearly three-year victory drought.

The 24-year-old South Korean started strong at Renaissance Club in North Berwick, Scotland, sharing the halfway lead with Rory McIlroy and Jordan Smith. While his competitors faltered in the fog-delayed third round, Kim kept his momentum with steady under-par golf.

Heading into the final round trailing by one shot, Kim birdied three of his first seven holes to seize control. When Min Woo Lee mounted a late charge and cut the lead to just one shot, Kim responded like a champion with a beautiful approach on the 16th hole that set up his sixth birdie of the day and sealed the victory.

The timing couldn't be better for Kim, who has battled through a challenging stretch since his last win in October 2023. After failing to qualify for both the 2026 Masters and PGA Championship, he posted an impressive third-place finish at the U.S. Open that hinted his game was returning to form.

Why This Inspires

Kim's journey shows that even the brightest young stars face setbacks. He became the first player since Tiger Woods in 1996 to win twice on the PGA Tour before turning 21, leading many to predict inevitable superstardom.

But golf has a way of humbling everyone. Kim managed just three top-10 finishes combined in 2024 and 2025, with zero top-25 results in eight major championships after his stellar 2023 performances.

Rather than letting the pressure consume him, Kim stayed patient and kept working on his game. He's made the cut in 15 of 17 events this year, showing the consistency that once defined his early career.

The Scottish Open victory guarantees Kim entry into next year's Masters and PGA Championship, while his U.S. Open finish earned him a spot in the 2027 U.S. Open. More importantly, it gives him confidence heading into this week's Open Championship at Royal Birkdale, where he'll look to prove his breakthrough wasn't a one-time flash.

At 24, Kim's best golf still lies ahead, and this victory suggests the rough patch may finally be behind him.