Sungjae Im and Tom Kim at ball one during Thursday’s four-ball match at the 2024 Presidents Cup.
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Nothing brings out a player’s competitive fire like match play, and match play on Thursday Presidents Cupviewers witnessed some enthusiasts and behavior with chips among the number 1 in the world Scottie Scheffler and one of his international opponents, Tom Kim.
While Kim made a name for himself abundant celebrations at the 2022 Presidents Cup, Scheffler has a more reserved reputation. But a third into their four-ball match with teammates Sungjae Im (International) and Russell Henley (USA), Kim and Scheffler shared a spirited exchange that raised eyebrows in the broadcast booth.
Scheffler and Henley were 2 through 6 holes when Kim drained a long birdie putt on the 7th, prompting a huge reaction, complete with double fist pumps, a “Come on!” and “Let’s go!”
Scheffler then hit a 27-foot birdie putt to answer, on a line similar to Kim’s. Once inside, Scheffler turned to Kim and yelled “Whuzzat?!!!” as in, What was that?!
It was an uncharacteristic display of emotion — and in-your-face banter — that the broadcast team was quick to diffuse, reminding viewers that Kim and Scheffler are good friends who play a lot of golf together outside of their competitive rounds on the PGA Tour. However, it should also be noted that Kim said he wants to fire Scheffler this week.
After dramatic birdies, the group headed into the 8th hole with the Americans holding a 2-up lead. But then on the 8th green, Kim holed out another one long bird, this one from 24 feet. Another one A vocal celebration ensued, and Scheffler even took Kim’s ball and gave it to her without looking.
Scheffler had an impatient look to answer, but Kim and Im didn’t hold back, leaving Scheffler and Henley on the green and heading straight for the 9th tee without seeing Scheffler’s putt – an etiquette violation golf course.
“It’s definitely a little weird in this group right now,” said NBC reporter John Wood of the course.
“So they can’t see it put?” asked analyst Paul McGinley.
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“They’re 60 yards away on the 9th tee and they’re not looking,” Wood replied.
The broadcast camera then panned to the 9th car to show Im and Kim standing and waiting with their backs to the green.
“What do you think of that?” asked NBC’s Dan Hicks.
“Well, that borders on bad behavior there,” McGinley said. “This is disrespectful, in my opinion. I know it’s competitive out there. But it certainly shows you that there’s an underlying advantage here that it’s not all fun and games.”
Scheffler missed the birdie putt, cutting his and Henley’s lead to 1 up.
As of this writing, Scheffler and Henley have extended their lead from 3 to 15 holes.
