Kim's Drought Ends
South Korea's Tom Kim Claims Scottish Open Title, Ending 1,001-Day PGA Tour Win Drought
Tom Kim ended a 1,001-day winless drought on Sunday, claiming the 2026 Genesis Scottish Open for his fourth PGA Tour title Golf Week. The 22-year-old South Korean shot a final-round 6-under 64 to seal the victory, becoming the first South Korean ever to win the Scottish Open.
The win pushed Kim past $20 million in career earnings Yahoo Sports. He is now only the fourth non-American player to win four PGA Tour events before the age of 25 — a rare club that reflects just how talented Kim is.
Nearly Three Years of Struggle Before the Breakthrough
Kim had previously been one of the PGA Tour's most exciting young stars. He won twice in 2022, becoming the second-youngest player to do so in the modern era Yahoo Sports. But then the wins stopped. For 1,001 days, Kim could not close out a tournament.
The drought forced Kim to take a hard look at his game and himself. He later said he "ate humble pie" during those tough years Golf Week. That kind of honesty, he suggested, is what helped him find his way back to the winner's circle.
One Key Shot on the 16th Sealed the Title
Kim's final round was steady from start to finish. But one shot stood above the rest. His approach on the par-4 16th hole was the defining moment of the championship, setting up a birdie that helped cement his lead Golf Week.
A 6-under 64 is a strong score on any course. At a Scottish Open, playing in unpredictable coastal conditions, it is even more impressive. Kim made it look controlled and clean when it mattered most.
Historic Win for South Korean Golf
No South Korean had ever won the Scottish Open before Sunday. Kim changed that with a performance that was both dominant and composed Yahoo Sports. The Scottish Open is a prestigious event, often serving as a warm-up for The Open Championship the following week.
Kim now joins a very short list of global stars. Only three other non-American players have won four PGA Tour events before turning 25 Golf Week. That stat puts Kim in rare company and signals he has the talent to compete for major titles for years to come.
Kim's Equipment Choice Behind the Victory
Kim won using a forged, dual-cavity iron design that offered both feel and forgiveness Golf Digest. His irons featured D18 tungsten weighting, which helps create stability and consistency on off-center hits — key traits for links-style courses where bad bounces are common.
The equipment reflected Kim's broader shift in approach. He played a softer, more controlled style this week rather than going for broke on every shot. That patience, combined with the right tools, helped him finally break through after nearly three years without a win.
Sentiment
NeutralPublishers
4
Articles
2
Reach
4
