Kim punches Carnoustie ticket with John Deere rout
What happened at the John Deere Classic?
Michael Kim will head to The Open Championship for the very first time as he claimed his maiden PGA Tour win in emphatic fashion by lapping the field at the John Deere Classic.
The Korean-born American started the final round at TPC Deere Run with a five-shot lead having posted rounds of 63-64-64, and he showed no signs of nerves as he opened with three straight birdies to extend his lead at the top.
It was then just a case of minimising the mistakes, and he did that to perfection with a further two birdies at the 8th and 16th to go bogey-free and win by a remarkable eight shots.
Dominance. ?@Mike_Kim714 sets the @JDClassic 72-hole record!
He claims his first PGA TOUR win in style at 27-under and an 8-shot victory.#LiveUnderPar pic.twitter.com/J6EH6SrNfS
— PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) July 15, 2018
It’s fair to say that not many people could have seen this victory coming. Heading into this week, Kim – the former Walker Cup player – has missed 11 of 17 cuts this year, with a best finish of 18th last month at the FedEx St Jude Classic.
But perhaps the 25-year-old is just starting to live up to his potential; after all, he won the prestigious Haskins Award in 2013 and joins the likes of Justin Thomas, Russell Henley and Patrick Cantlay who have, in recent years, won on the PGA Tour having been presented with the Haskins Award.
Elsewhere, Francesco Molinari – fresh off his win at the Quicken Loans National – continued his fine run of form as the Italian posted a final round 64 to finish tied for second alongside Joel Dahmen, Sam Ryder and Bronson Burgoon.
Full John Deere Classic leaderboard
Talking point
So Kim is on his way to The Open after taking the one spot available this week – but how have John Deere Classic winners fared in the third major of the year in recent years?
In the past ten years, only Jordan Spieth (2015) and Zach Johnson (2012) have won at the John Deere and gone on to finish inside the top-10 at The Open the following week.
In that 10-year stretch, only Bryson DeChambeau (last year) missed the cut.
So how does this bode for Kim? Well, if the trends are to continue, expect him to make the cut but not trouble the top of the leaderboard…
Best quote
Kim:
It’s been a tough first half of the year. To finish it off like this means a lot. I didn’t even know they (family) were here. I teared up a little bit on the green.
Best moments
When you notice your parents are on 18 when you're about to pick up your first win. ❤ pic.twitter.com/z8viSz0IIY
— PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) July 15, 2018
Leader on the 18th tee.
Striped by @Mike_Kim714. pic.twitter.com/jK6PIJrwm1
— PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) July 15, 2018
Embracing the moment.
How about this reaction?!@Mike_Kim714 leads by 8 and is loving every minute of it.#LiveUnderPar pic.twitter.com/lH16oKcVXt
— PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) July 15, 2018
Every putt matters.#LiveUnderPar pic.twitter.com/IhQyYgYtda
— PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) July 15, 2018
Leader by NINE. ?@Mike_Kim714 is on fire.#LiveUnderPar pic.twitter.com/0Xz98ykpNE
— PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) July 15, 2018
7 straight birdies.
7-shot lead.This is ridiculous.#LiveUnderPar pic.twitter.com/H8yDEVH6gK
— PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) July 15, 2018
What a start. ?@Mike_kim714 opens the final round with a birdie.
Dating back to yesterday, he has birdied his last 5 holes.#LiveUnderPar pic.twitter.com/n0ArG3rmjW
— PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) July 15, 2018
Tom Irwin
Tom is a lifetime golfer, now over 30 years playing the game. 2023 marks 10 years in golf publishing and he is still holding down a + handicap at Alwoodley in Leeds. He has played over 600 golf courses, and has been a member of at least four including his first love Louth, in Lincolnshire. Tom likes unbranded clothing, natural fibres, and pencil bags. Seacroft in Lincolnshire is where it starts and ends.
