From a Correspondent
North Berwick, Scotland: Rising Korean star Joohyung Kim brought in an impressive solo third place finish at the Genesis Scottish Open on Sunday.
Playing in Scotland for the first time, the 20-year-old fired a final round of 3-under 67 at the $8 million tournament co-sanctioned by the PGA Tour and DP World Tour.
Tokyo Olympics gold medallist Xander Schauffele claimed a thrilling one-shot win over fellow-American countryman Kurt Kitayama with a closing 70 for his third win of the season at the Renaissance Club.
It was Schauffele’s seventh career win and took him to third place on the FedEx Cup standings.
A recent winner of the Travelers Championship, Schuaffele took away back to back titles for the second time in his career.
Indian stars Anirban Lajhiri and Shubhankar Sharma disappointed in missing the cut, the former with rounds of 72 and 72, and Sharma with 69 and 76.
Kim in fact grabbed a share of the lead with his fourth birdie of the day on the 17th hole. However, he made bogey at the last by missing a five-foot putt to eventually finish two behind Schauffele.
Good prep
The top three finish was ideal preparation ahead of Kim’s maiden appearance at The Open Championship at St Andrews starting July 14.
“I came in this week just trying my best and I accomplished something. It’s my best finish in a co-sanctioned event so it’s going to move me up,” said Kim, who has already won seven times in Asia.
The talented Korean had produced glimpses of his potential by finishing T17 at the AT&T Byron Nelson in May and a creditable 23rd at the US Open in Brookline last month.
It was the first time he had made the cut in what was his third major.
Kim (68-71-69-67) wasn’t overly disappointed with his closing bogey, saying his game felt good in every department all week.
“I played bogey-free until the last hole and 18 is one of the toughest holes we have this week and it was that last putt, just broke a little bit, obviously with the nerves.
“Really a solid week and just a confidence boost for next week,” said Kim, who goes by the English name “Tom” as he liked Thomas the Tank Engine cartoon when he was a kid.
“Maybe if I was no. 1 in the world, I would be more frustrated but I’m not. It’s a stepping stone and I feel like even though I missed the last putt on the last hole, I feel like I played really well.
“I loved it out here. You have to put your ball in certain places and I hit it to 20 feet a lot. I feel I could have definitely won this tournament if I played really well.
Aiming for more
“I’m happy with this result. It’s going to be more fuel for me going into next week and hopefully trying to play better.”
Kim cannot wait to get to the year’s final major at St Andrews as he continues to chart his golf career.
As he prepares to take the short drive to the Home of Golf, Kim was already planning on which photos he would be seeking to capture during his time at the world’s oldest golf course.
“The (Swilcan) bridge. For sure,” said Kim.
“I’ve been playing really solid coming into this week and obviously finishing 23rd in the US Open was a very big thing for me where I feel like I can compete with these guys.
“This week, last hole, my second shot, I kind of got the chills, I practiced my whole life for this, coming down the stretch where a lot of the top players in the world came and me, tied for the lead coming to the last hole it was a great feeling.
“It’s a stepping stone for me and definitely baby steps forward.
“I missed my first chance at St George’s but I think it was waiting for this one. 150th (Open) at St Andrews, I’ve only heard good things about it.
“I’m heading over today and hopefully see the course tomorrow. Just look at the course and just take it all in.”
Schauffele had rounds of 72-65-66-70 for his 7-under 273 while
Kitayama carded a 66-71-71-66 sequence for his 6-under 274.
Patrick Cantlay and Tommy Fleetwood shared fourth place on 4-under 276.
Also read: Dropped shots hold Anirban Lahiri back at John Deere Classic
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