Teen Phenom Tom Kim Makes History with Third PGA Tour Win, Surpassing Tiger Woods

Following a thrilling title defense in Las Vegas, Tom Kim rewarded himself by immediately returning to his hotel room and indulging in chocolate. As one of the most promising emerging talents in the game, the 21-year-old South Korean sensation emerged victorious in a heart-stopping final round showdown against Adam Hadwin, securing another triumph at the Shriners Children's Open held at TPC Summerlin on Sunday, narrowly surpassing the Canadian by a single stroke.

Having shot a blistering nine-under 62 on Saturday, a final round 66 was just enough to clinch Kim the $1.512 million winners prize.

Tom Kim had an interesting first round of the 2023 PGA Championship at Oak Hill Country Club.

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Tom Kim had a challenging experience at the PGA Championship, and the incident gained widespread attention online. Additionally, this victory makes Kim the youngest golfer to win three PGA Tour titles since Tiger Woods and the first to defend the Shriners Children's Open since Jim Furyk in 1999.

Kim preferred to forego the excitement of the Vegas strip, opting instead to indulge in a white chocolate Ferrero Rocher imported from Europe. In the comfort of their hotel room, they ordered room service and conscientiously set an alarm for 3 a.m. to catch the early 6:30 a.m. flight back home. "I'm not particularly fond of the extravagant and bustling atmosphere; therefore, when I visit Vegas, I tend to avoid the strip," Kim shared with the press.

"I stay five minutes from the course where its really quiet and its really nice. Back-to-back is great, so Summerlin and I are bonded very well.

"Hopefully its nice to me again next year, as well."

Kim toasts his win on the 18th green.

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A meteoric rise

Kim, who secured his first-ever PGA Tour title at the Wyndham Championship in August 2022, has taken a significant leap in his career by climbing five spots to reach a personal best world ranking of No. 11. Since transitioning into a professional golfer in 2018, the South Korean phenom has experienced a remarkable ascent, delivering exceptional performances in major tournaments throughout the current season.

Kim, who had never placed in the top-20 at a major before 2023, achieved a tied-16th position at The Masters. He then showcased his skills by improving to a tied-eighth position at the US Open. In July, he impressed even further by finishing joint-runner up behind Brian Harman at the Open Championship. These performances have solidified his position among golf's most exciting young talents, which held a particular importance in Las Vegas.

"I find it even more special because Shriners Children's Hospital sponsors it," remarked Kim.

Being 21, I realize I'm not the oldest person around, especially considering that the kids here are even younger than me. However, I do feel a certain connection with them due to our similar ages. If I can manage to inspire even one of these kids, it would be incredibly meaningful to me.

They truly ignited a spark of inspiration within me at the beginning of the week. I am genuinely grateful that I was able to hold onto the trophy once again this year.

Canadian professional golfer Adam Hadwin was halted by a security guard as he attempted to join in the celebration with fellow Canadian golfer Nick Taylor, who emerged victorious at the Canadian Open golf tournament in Toronto on Sunday, June 11, 2023. (Image placeholder:

) (Andrew Lahodynskyj/The Canadian Press via AP)

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Golfer Adam Hadwin mistakenly leveled by security when celebrating Nick Taylors fairytale Canadian Open win

At the par-five 16th hole, Hadwin, ranked 46th in the world, seemed to be on track for his second PGA Tour title. However, disaster struck as his approach shot landed in the water. Despite managing to salvage the situation with a bogey, it was not enough to catch up with Kim, who had navigated the back-nine flawlessly. Even a birdie on the final hole could not close the gap with the South Korean player.

"I completely messed up, completely missed the mark, and regrettably, I had one of my worst swings of the day at the most inconvenient moment," Hadwin informed the reporters.

"Tom, on the other hand, remains consistently reliable, hitting fairways and greens without ever losing his rhythm or pace. Shooting five-under par today appeared to be the worst score he could have achieved. I was well aware that I needed an excellent round to be competitive and secure a victory."

Kim and Hadwin played out a thrilling final round showdown.

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Thompson falls just short of history

Lexi Thompson narrowly missed the opportunity to become the first woman in 78 years to make the cut at a PGA Tour event, falling just three strokes shy of advancing to the weekend rounds of the Shriners Children's Open. As only the seventh woman to ever compete in a PGA Tour tournament, Thompson aimed to emulate the achievements of her fellow American golfer, Babe Didrikson Zaharias, who successfully made two cuts in 1945.

After starting with a 73 in the first two rounds, Thompson made a strong comeback on Friday, delivering a much better performance with a score of 69. However, her chances of qualifying for the upcoming weekend were negatively impacted by two costly bogeys in the last five holes.

Thompson fell short of making the cut despite a strong second round showing.

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It is a wonderful sensation to not only have the support of my parents here, but also to have the opportunity to pursue my dreams. Ever since I competed against my brothers during my childhood, this has been something I've always wanted," Thompson expressed to reporters on Friday.

"The entire team has been incredibly welcoming. It brings me immense joy to witness the multitude of children cheer for me, shouting 'Lexi, Lexi, go Lexi.' At times, it even brings tears to my eyes, as this is the reason I play the game - to inspire these young ones."

"No added pressure. Of course it was a goal making the cut but I knew I had to play my A-game."