The United States dominated what was a feisty opening day of the 2024 Presidents Cup at Royal Montreal Golf Club.
Jim Furyk’s men won every match to take a 5-0 lead into Friday’s foursomes, a format in where the USA typically thrives.
Scottie Scheffler and Russell Henley’s match against Tom Kim and Sungjae Im had the most needle. Kim was fired up and was going back and forth with Scheffler during the opening exchanges.
Scheffler downplayed the situation after winning the match 3&2 on the 16th hole, however.
Golf fans rage at Tom Kim’s comments after Presidents Cup defeat
- READ MORE: Golf fans are in agreement after Scottie Scheffler’s comments after day one of the Presidents Cup
Kim also took aim at the Canadian crowd post-round, and fans weren’t pleased with the South Korean’s remarks.
“I think it was a little too quiet today being on home soil. I wish they would have helped us out a bit more, especially being in Canada. I know how much they love golf,” Kim said.
“Blaming the fans for your ass-kicking is a bad look,” wrote @PaulDer03945565. Jonathan Martin added, “Love Tom Kim. But if he’s going to do the yapping, he needs to back it up.”
This fan, Lumpy Grits, said on X, “I love Tom, but yikes, I hope this was out of context.”
@kharrisinsuranc said: “Hey Tom, maybe you can play better and win. What was there to cheer for? You won one hole!!! You made one big putt, and then Scottie dropped his right on top. It’s Hard to cheer when the team is getting swept.”
Russell Henley also annoyed by Tom Kim at Presidents Cup
It wasn’t just Kim’s post-round comments which ruffled a few feathers.
On the eighth hole, Kim and Sungjae Im opted to walk 60 yards to the ninth tee box while Scheffler was still putting out.
The move drew criticism, and Scheffler and Henley were asked about the incident after the round.
A reporter asked: “When Tom made birdie on 8, he and Sungjae walked to the next tee. Did that bother you guys at all?” Scheffler responded: “I didn’t see it.” Henley added, “It bothered me a little bit.”
Perhaps Kim taking a back seat for the foursomes is an intelligent move as Weir protects the 22-year-old from further criticism.
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