An exciting Saturday at the Presidents Cup may have gone a bit too far, at least according to Tom Kim. [Following a narrow 1-down loss to Patrick Cantlay and Xander Schauffele in foursomes, Kim accused some U.S. players of cursing at he and his partner, Si Woo Kim.](https://www.nbcsports.com/golf/news/tom-kim-u-s-players-cursing-at-us-during-presidents-cup-foursomes)
The Kims put on a show all day, with big putts and even bigger celebrations, which reached a crescendo when Si Woo Kim holed out a flop shot for birdie at Royal Montreal’s par-4 16th hole to tie the match back up with Schauffele and Cantlay – and then ran around the green while doing Steph Curry’s night-night gesture.
Tensions began to rise between rival players as the International Team attempted to claw back an 8-6 deficit ahead of the final day. Kim was left visibly frustrated on the par-three seventh hole after being forced to play a putt just feet away from the cup.
After his team-mate's birdie attempt fell short of the hole, Kim looked to Cantlay and Schauffele in the hope they would concede the following putt. They were unmoved, though, meaning that Kim had to finish the job with a simple tap-in from around three feet.
As he retrieved his ball from the cup, Cantlay and Schauffele began to walk towards the eighth tee box in preparation for the following hole. It was at this point that Kim laid down his club next to the hole, illustrating just how short the putt was.
He refused to let his frustrations die down, shaking his head and throwing his arms around while following his team-mate to the next hole. Kim was clearly adamant that he should have been awarded a gimme rather than being made to play the shot for par.
Kim was involved in another flashpoint on day one of the Presidents Cup in the form of a shouting match with Scottie Scheffler. The two players, who are good friends away from the course, exchanged verbal taunts on the seventh and eighth holes.
After rolling in a birdie putt, Kim celebrated wildly and screamed: “Let’s go!” which appeared to rile Scheffler as he watched nearby. Moments later, the reigning Masters champion returned the favour shortly after halving the hole, shouting at Kim: “What was that?”
Kim ramped up the celebrations once again following another successful birdie attempt on the eighth hole, before walking over to the ninth tee box while Scheffler was still putting. The latter did not react but Kim’s behaviour raised a few eyebrows in the Sky Sports studio.
Paul McGinley, who captained Team Europe to Ryder Cup glory in 2014, was not impressed with Kim and said: “That’s bordering on bad behaviour there. That’s disrespectful in my opinion.”
Presidents Cup: The Importance of Sportsmanship
The incident highlights a recurring theme in golf: the importance of sportsmanship and etiquette on the course. While competitive spirit is encouraged, there’s a fine line between passion and disrespect.
Golf is a game of tradition and respect, and this incident could be seen as a violation of that unwritten code.
The “Inside the Leather” Rule
The concept of conceding putts, particularly short ones, is rooted in the “inside the leather” rule. While there’s no official rule that dictates when a putt should be conceded, it’s a gesture of respect and a way to speed up play.
It’s a matter of courtesy that has been debated for years.
Some argue that conceding a putt, even a very short one, is a sign of weakness. Others, like Jason Day, believe that it should be done only in extreme circumstances.
This incident brings the issue back into focus and invites a debate on the nuances of sportsmanship in golf.
Kim's Actions Spark Debate
Kim's reaction, while controversial, highlights the emotional intensity of the Presidents Cup. It also underscores the importance of maintaining respect, even in the heat of the moment.
Some fans believe that Kim was justified in his frustration, especially given the significance of the match. Others, however, argue that his actions were disrespectful and unnecessary.
The incident has sparked a debate among golf enthusiasts and professionals alike.
A Moment of Reflection
The controversy surrounding Tom Kim’s actions is a reminder that sportsmanship is an integral part of the game of golf. It’s a lesson that applies to both professionals and amateurs alike.
As the Presidents Cup continues, it’s worth considering how this incident will impact the dynamics between the two teams. Will it lead to more heated exchanges, or will it serve as a reminder of the importance of respectful competition?
The answer to that question remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: the incident has added another layer of intrigue to the already captivating competition.
