Sanderson Farms Championship, Round 4: Leaderboard, tee times, TV times

Tom Kim may be just 20 years old, but he’s set to be a CEO. No, not in the ilk of a Silicon Valley start-up. Kim isn’t going to don a V-neck and skinny jeans and learn to code. He’s prepared to be the Chief Energy Officer for the International Team in this week’s Presidents Cup at Charlotte’s Quail Hollow Club. The third-youngest participant in Presidents Cup history, Kim has vowed to bring the same infectious personality and style that has led to an incredible rise through the ranks in the last few months. Kim first popped on many fans’ radars after his third-place finish in the Genesis Scottish Open, followed by another top-10 at the Rocket Mortgage Classic. Then there was the thrilling win at the Wyndham Championship, where he started the tournament with a quadruple-bogey and ended it with a 61 to win by five and become the second-youngest winner on TOUR since World War II (only Jordan Spieth was younger). Kim nearly made it to the TOUR Championship after starting the season without status, finishing 32nd in the FedExCup, and is now 22nd in the world ranking after beginning the year at No. 131. Kim also stormed his way into a spot on the International Team with his strong summer, earning one of six automatic spots on Trevor Immelman’s squad. That pleased the International captain, who’d been watching Kim for a while on the recommendation of noted instructor and good friend Claude Harmon III, who happened across Kim during a practice round. The more Immelman saw, the more he liked. “He’s an incredibly mature, well-rounded guy for just being 20,” Immelman says. “He’s the real deal. There’s no doubt about it. He’s got this this enthusiasm that is palpable.” And it is that enthusiasm that might just be Kim’s best weapon in Charlotte this week. Kim lives by the motto of giving his all every single time. No regrets. His parents have drilled it home and he subscribes to the theory. The challenge ahead of the International Team is momentous. Kim knows this. The U.S. Team has never lost the Presidents Cup on home soil and is a dominant 11-1-1 overall in the competition. But it doesn’t worry him one bit. Kim knows all about underdog status. He knows records are there to be broken and the past is just that, the past. Failure only stays failure if you don’t respond to it. And he won’t be sitting in a corner of the team room in silent mode. Far from it. “I hope to just get the energy going (for the team),” Kim said. “I’m a lot younger than all the guys on the team, so hopefully I can bring that young energy and just be a kid out there and have all the fun we can. We know it will be tough but as long as we come together as a team, we’re going to have a chance. So, I intend to be a good energy out there for the team.” The International Team has a long history of great Asian players. From the early pioneers like Tsukasa Watanabe, Shigeki Maruyama and Masashi ‘Jumbo’ Ozaki to K.J. Choi (now a captain’s assistant) and Y.E. Yang into the new breed like Hideki Matsuyama, Si Woo Kim and Sungjae Im. There are a record four South Koreans on the International Team this year: Kim, Sungjae Im, Si Woo Kim and K.H. Lee. Traditionally, Asian players have been somewhat quiet in the team environment. Many factors, including the language barriers and reserved culture, may have contributed to this. But in the most recent Presidents Cup in 2019, the addition of Choi as an assistant and the youthful exuberance of Im showed a new blueprint. Im was a standout as a rookie for Captain Ernie Els at Royal Melbourne with a team-leading 3.5 points earned with a 3-1-1 record. Only a huge U.S. Singles fightback on Sunday kept the Internationals from winning again at Royal Melbourne. Im was one of seven rookies for the Internationals in 2019. This year’s team has a record eight rookies. “It worked well in 2019. There was a real cleanout, a very fresh young team and there was a vibe of no scar tissue and incredible excitement,” team stalwart Adam Scott said ahead of his 10th Presidents Cup. “The new guys had spent their lives watching the Presidents Cup and were stoked to be in it. In teams before, it had been a grind for a lot of long-time players, including myself, of taking it on the chin a lot and not getting any good results. “It was so fun to see the enthusiasm of the young fellas coming in and Ernie did a fantastic job inspiring them. And Trevor has done a great job carrying that over. That fun vibe will continue with all the fresh blood in the team this time around and if we can get the momentum going, we might just shock the world.” Scott has advocated for Kim to be part of that narrative this week and the youngster is keen to take on the challenge. But don’t call him the next Sungjae Im. Or the next anything. He is the one and only Tom Kim and he’s out to make sure you remember it. He doesn’t do ‘normal’. After all – he was born Joohyung Kim but insisted on changing to Tom after becoming obsessed with Thomas the Tank Engine. He speaks three languages. He turned pro at 15. He gave up sugar during the recent TOUR season to maintain peak fitness. And while growing up he watched DVDs about Tiger Woods until they started to fade, he’s not out to copy his idol – except in one facet. Mindset. This was reinforced recently watching “The Last Dance” documentary about Michel Jordan’s NBA career a handful of times. “To be the best, you have to think very, very differently, and I think the guys out here who have had success are like that,” Kim explains. “Jordan, Tiger, Justin Thomas, whoever it is… they have their own unique sense, and I also think that I have a unique sense. That’s the thing I really look up to because Michael Jordan, Tiger Woods, they’re very all unique and they excelled in their sports.” Kim has quite the backstory. After leaving Korea, he lived in multiple countries as a child – China, Australia, the Philippines, and Thailand were all part of his journey as his father, Chang-ik Kim, turned from professional golfer to teaching pro. Tom was in Melbourne as a 9-year-old during the 2011 Presidents Cup, but his family couldn’t afford tickets to attend the tournament. At 13, when the Cup was in his native Korea, he’d moved to the Philippines but kept a very close eye on things. He turned pro right around the 2017 Cup as the Internationals were trounced at Liberty National and was again a keen observer as a 17-year-old three years ago. “I was watching in 2019 and I told myself, man, how cool would it be to be able to represent that team,” Kim recalls. “I know Sungjae pretty well, and he’s bragged about being on that team when I wasn’t there. It definitely was a motivation factor seeing him play and wishing that hopefully I can get on the team. I didn’t really think that this year I’d be able to play. I was pretty far away, but the last few months have been exciting for many reasons. And to make this team is a big part of that. I’m very excited.” Kim arrives at Quail Hollow with veteran caddie Joe Skovron on his bag. The former long-term caddie to Rickie Fowler was on the bag when Fowler won at Quail Hollow back in 2012. It might be the start of taking things to the next level. Scott thinks Kim is already well and truly on his way. “He’s the perfect player we need,” Scott continues. “He’s a guy with red hot form and confidence and he can match it with the best of the TOUR. If he plays his game like we know he can, he becomes a real weapon in match play. He’s not afraid to play his best and he’s not afraid to speak up either. I already feel younger around him.” Sounds like he’s a great CEO already.

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AUGUSTA, Ga. – A day after fighting to remain on the fringe of contention, Tiger Woods’ chances of an improbable Masters victory were ended by his putting struggles Saturday at Augusta National. Woods used his putter three times on six different holes and also had the second four-putt of his Masters career en route to a 6-over 78. He sits at 7-over 223 as Scottie Scheffler continues to impress at Augusta National. The 78, which included 36 putts, is his worst score ever at Augusta National. The 36 putts are tied for the second-most in a single round in his PGA TOUR career. “It was cold starting out. The ball wasn’t going very far. I thought it was tough. Some of the other guys may not say that, but for me I had a tough time. I felt like I didn’t really hit it hit it that bad,” Woods said. “I hit 1,000 putts out there on the greens today and it obviously affected that score. … I did what I needed to do ball-striking wise, but I did the exact opposite on the greens.” Woods started the day nine strokes behind Scheffler but was only four shots back of second place after making four birdies in his final 10 holes Friday to salvage a 74 on a day when he made bogey on four of the first five holes. Woods’ high number of putts also resulted from his inability to get the ball close to the hole. He three-putted the first hole from 50 feet, then four-putted on the fifth hole from similarly long distance. His first four-putt at Augusta National came during his victory in 2005, after he putted into the water on the 13th hole (he hit three putts and took a penalty stroke; the number of putts to complete a hole is counted as the number of strokes to hole out once a player has reached the green). Woods also three-putted his final three holes, playing them in 4 over. “I just couldn’t find it,” he said. “Nothing seemed to work.”

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Presidents Cup Captains Ernie Els and Tiger Woods will unveil their partnerships next week at the Presidents Cup. In case they need any last-minute advice (hint: They don’t, certainly not from us), the PGATOUR.COM staff writers offer up five predicted partnerships for both the International and U.S. Teams at Royal Melbourne. U.S. Team BEN EVERILL’S PREDICTIONS Xander Schauffele-Bryson DeChambeau (Four-Ball) – It is hard to commit to having DeChambeau play alternate shot given his individuality but in Four-Ball, Schauffele could be a great partner for him. They both have such a competitive will to win and might even try to outdo the other. Patrick Reed-Patrick Cantlay (all) – They have proven themselves a good duo at the Zurich Classic of New Orleans and have a level of comfort that will put them in good stead. Tiger Woods-Gary Woodland (Four-Ball) – The Woodies. I’m not convinced that Woods will play in the Foursomes despite experience in the format but I can see him having fun with Woodland, who is not one to try too hard to impress his captain. Rickie Fowler-Justin Thomas (all) – Seems like this one might be a slam dunk given the pair are good friends and were successful together at Liberty National. Matt Kuchar-Webb Simpson (Foursomes) – If you are looking for a steady alternate shot option this one appears a no-brainer. They might beat you down with solid pars and have enough birdies in them to roll anyone. SEAN MARTIN’S PREDICTIONS Webb Simpson-Tony Finau (Foursomes): Last season, Simpson finished in the top 20 in every Strokes Gained category except Off-the-Tee. You let the long-hitting Finau tee off on half the holes and you have a well-rounded team. Plus, with a combined nine kids between them they’ll have plenty to discuss between shots. Rickie Fowler-Justin Thomas (all): They were a hit during the 2017 Presidents Cup, so there’s no reason not to reunite them. Matt Kuchar-Gary Woodland (all): They partnered to win the 2011 World Cup. Kuchar stuck around to congratulate Woodland after his U.S. Open win. Their chemistry makes them a good fit, and I’m sure Kuchar wouldn’t mind borrowing Woodland’s length off the tee. Xander Schauffele-Patrick Cantlay (Foursomes): They’re both economical with their words and dangerous with the clubs. I think they’d complement each other well. Tiger Woods-Patrick Cantlay (Four-Balls): They’ve known each other since Cantlay was an amateur, having played together at the 2011 Frys.com Open. They’re represented by the same agency. I wouldn’t be surprised to see them pair up. MIKE McALLISTER’S PREDICTIONS Rickie Fowler-Justin Thomas (all): A formidable partnership two years ago at Liberty National. No need to overthink it. Tiger Woods-Patrick Reed (Foursomes): Didn’t work a year ago in Paris, but Tiger’s rested now and Reed’s in better form. Dustin Johnson-Gary Woodland (Four-Balls): Big bombers who each ranked inside the top 15 in birdie average last season. Webb Simpson-Bryson DeChambeau (Four-Balls): The veteran Simpson could be the super-steady partner for DeChambeau. Xander Schauffele-Patrick Cantlay (all): Seems like a natural pairing given their similar demeanors. CAMERON MORFIT’S PREDICTIONS Tiger Woods-Gary Woodland (all): They enjoyed each other’s company at The ZOZO CHAMPIONSHIP, they have a healthy mutual respect, and they both enjoy winning at Pebble Beach. Do similar last names count for anything? Rickie Fowler-Justin Thomas (all): This is the one partnership that I would put money on happening. They’re good friends, they’re friends of Tiger, and they earned two wins and a halve together at the ’17 President Cup. Dustin Johnson-Tony Finau (Four-Balls): A team that could overwhelm the competition with its power, D.J. and Finau rock the tee and make a bunch of birdies. Not sure about them in Foursomes, though. Patrick Reed-Patrick Cantlay (all): Team of Patricks, who have found success at the Zurich Classic of New Orleans, is the second most likely, after Fowler and Thomas. Familiarity and mutual respect runneth over. Matt Kuchar-Webb Simpson (Foursomes): Two former winners of THE PLAYERS Championship are classic point-to-point players who will rarely if ever leave the other in a terrible spot. Veterans are plenty familiar with each other. International Team BEN EVERILL’S PREDICTIONS Marc Leishman-Cameron Smith (all): These two will play all four sessions together as a successful pairing who were T2 at last year’s World Cup and who can harness the crowd for Els and his team. Louis Oosthuizen-Abraham Ancer (all): The experience of Oosthuizen and the fire of rookie Ancer could make an incredible pairing. Ancer plays Australian conditions well, giving Oosthuizen a steady rock to fire with. Adam Scott-Joaquin Niemann (all): Scott has long been a guy to bring rookies into the fold and although that was originally set to end this time with a likely Jason Day pairing. Now that his fellow Aussie is out, the of Niemann could be a great replacement. Big crowds will fire Niemann up also. Hideki Matsuyama-Sungjae Im (all): To unlock the best of Matsuyama in this format, he needs someone to talk to. Im is not fluent in Japanese but has played on the Japan Tour and speaks one language they both understand — birdies. Byeong Hun An-Adam Hadwin (all): Two guys who played really nice consistent golf though the fall should also complement each other in team play. Hadwin’s putting and An’s ball-striking could make a nice combination. SEAN MARTIN’S PREDICTIONS Adam Scott-Cameron Smith (all): This is one to get the Australian fans riled up. They’ll have the home crowd behind them, and this will give Scott to take the young Aussie under his wings. Scott’s strong ball-striking and Smith’s nifty short game should make for a great combo. Louis Oosthuizen-Marc Leishman (Four-Balls): Captain Els may want to spread out his veterans and pair them with rookies, but I could see these two veterans pairing up now that Oosthuizen’s long-time partner, Branden Grace, isn’t on the team. Byeong Hun An-Sungjae Im (Foursomes): Foursomes is the format that demands the most communication, so it would make sense to pair the two South Korean players together. They’re also two of the hottest players on the International Team, so that would make a strong pairing. Abraham Ancer-Joaquin Niemann (all): Two strong ball-strikers will make for a formidable team around Royal Melbourne. Hideki Matsuyama-Adam Hadwin (Four-Balls): They earned a half-point against the indomitable Spieth-Reed team in 2017. That’s a good enough reason for them to reunite this year. MIKE McALLISTER’S PREDICTIONS Marc Leishman-Cameron Smith (all): Expect this all-Aussie partnership to be the emotional fulcrum for the International Team. Haotong Li-C.T. Pan (Four-Balls): They’ve spoken to each other about playing in the Presidents Cup, so it wouldn’t be a surprise. Adam Hadwin-Abraham Ancer (Foursomes): My NAFTA special. Plus, Hadwin (among Els’ best putters) is a nice balance to Ancer (terrific off the tee). Adam Scott-Hideki Matsuyama (all): Scott’s last Presidents Cup partnership win was with Matsuyama in 2013. Els desperately needs his supergroup to lead by example. Sungjae Im-Byeong Hun An (Four-Balls): Both ranked inside the top 45 in birdie average last season, so there is plenty of upside. CAMERON MORFIT’S PREDICTIONS Adam Scott-Marc Leishman (all): I originally had Scott playing with Jason Day, which was a lock, but now he’ll wind up with another countryman with no shortage of experience in this event. Cameron Smith-Adam Hadwin (Four-Balls): They make a lot of birdies and fulfill the need to pair a rookie (Smith) with a veteran (Hadwin). Not sure how well they know each other, but that’s always an issue with the International Team. At least they speak a common language. Sungjae Im-Byeong Hun An (Foursomes): With Jason Day out, Captain Els has seven rookies, so at some point he will likely put two together. Im and An are unusually steady players (loads of top-10s), which plays well in this format. Niemann and Hadwin (Foursomes): The steady, confident Hadwin can help usher in excitable, wide-eyed rookie Niemann. Scott or Leishman could do the job but one has to assume they will be paired with each other, or Cameron Smith. Oosthuizen and Ancer (all): Get ready for the surprise hit on the International Team. After the veteran Oosthuizen helps rookie Ancer calm his nerves, the fiery, cocksure Ancer will rev up low-key Oosthuizen nicely.

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