FINDING BALANCE

Shining star Tom Kim sets himself up as he eyes the big prizes.

- CHUAH CHOO CHIANG

When young Korean star Tom Kim qualified for his maiden Tour Championship appearance in August by being amongst the elite 30 golfers on the PGA Tour, he was asked how he’d grade his 2022-23 season.

He gave himself a C-minus.

It certainly felt Kim was being extremely hard on himself as his first full season on the globe’s elite circuit included one victory and seven other top-10s, including at two of the major championships. “It’s just the truth,” said Kim without batting an eyelid.

“I won a title this season, but it wasn’t this year, and it was about 10 months ago. However, I also had some good results in the majors, so I think it’s a positive I gained confidence and comfort in the majors. Golf is a sport that is judged by results, so I’m disappointed I didn’t win this year.”

When quizzed what he’d needed to have given himself a better grade, he simply replied – “start winning” – which he duly delivered a sensational third PGA TOUR victory just two months later when he repeated as champion at the Shriners Children’s Open in Vegas in October.