Si Woo Kim has set his sights on making a Presidents Cup debut this autumn after a career-changing victory at the Players Championship.
The 21-year-old became the youngest winner of golf’s unofficial “fifth major”, posting a bogey-free 69 on Sunday to finish three strokes clear of Ian Poulter and Louis Oosthuizen.
Kim’s victory lifts the Korean to 28th in the world rankings and up to seventh in the qualification standings for this year’s Presidents Cup, making will well-placed to make a maiden appearance in the biannual contest.
The top 10 at the end of the PGA Tour season automatically qualify for Nick Price’s side, with Kim relishing the prospect of representing the International Team at Liberty National Golf Club.
“I’m very excited to play at the Presidents Cup,” Kim said after his victory. “From the beginning of this year, I really wished I could be top 10 so I could get the ticket to get in.
“I’m very proud that I could join this tournament as the representative of Korea and Asia, and I’m very excited for that tournament.
“I was a little nervous before I played the final round, but I felt my shot feeling was really good and I could just really be myself. That’s why I could do well.”
Kim also won last season’s Wyndham Championship and becomes only the fourth player in the last 25 years to win multiple PGA Tour tournaments before turning 22, following on from Tiger Woods, Sergio Garcia and Jordan Spieth.
Victory secures him a five-year exemption on the PGA Tour but doesn’t prevent him from having to undergo two years compulsory military service at some point – a requirement for all South Korean men aged 18-35.
“I really wish we could have that benefit,” Kim added. “Regardless of me winning this tournament, I really have to go to the military service.
“I’ve already decided I’m going to go, too, so I’m ready for that. I haven’t decided yet (when that will be), but I have five years of exemption so we will see.”
