Tom Kim reflects on the effect of his criticism of Canadian fans at Presidents Cup - “They definitely brought it”

Tom Kim reflected on the outcome after calling out the Canadian fans at the Presidents Cup. During the inaugural round of the biennial tournament, the South Korean golfer was critical of the fans. The International team struggled with their games on Day 1 and lost all five fourball matches, giving Team USA an early five-point lead.

However, on Friday, 27 September, the International team made a much-needed comeback, winning all five foursome matches and finishing the day tied with Team USA. Although Kim did not play on Friday, he attended the post-game press conference, where he was asked about the fans in Montreal.

Speaking of them, Kim said, via ASAP Sports:

"They were unbelievable today. They definitely brought it. Obviously these guys had to go out and play. I sat out, but the crowd, I think, plays a huge role. I think the reason why we were able to play so good today, other than these guys going out and performing, was our fans backed us up. I think that gives you momentum, that gives you energy. Just they played a huge factor in our win today."

On Thursday, 26 September, Kim called out the fans for being "quiet" during their matches. He said, via ASAP Sports:

“I think it was a little too quiet today being on home soil. I don’t think the fans were really — I wish they would have helped us out a bit more, especially being in Canada. I know how much they love golf.”

Kim competed in Thursday's fourball match but lost. He teamed up with Sungjae Im to compete against Scottie Scheffler and Russell Henley, but Team USA defeated them 3&2. On Friday, Im returned for the foursome match, partnering with Hideki Matsuyama to play against Patrick Cantlay and Xander Schauffele.

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Tom Kim riles up the crowd at the 2024 Presidents Cup

Tom Kim brought all his energy and hyped the fans during Friday's matches at the Presidents Cup. He entered the golf course, encouraging the crowd to get loud.

Check out the video below:

Kim made headlines throughout the Day 1 matches at the Presidents Cup. He was involved in a controversy on the 8th hole when he moved on to play the next hole while Team USA players were still playing on the hole.

However, Kim later clarified his reasons for leaving early during the post-round press conference on Thursday, saying, via ASAP Sports:

"We just were focusing on our game. I made a putt, and whether he made it or not wasn't going to make a difference. There was no reason to stay there and look at him putt. It doesn't help us at all. It wasn't trying to be cheap or do anything like that. We were focused on our own game. I think that answer is pretty boring, but literally it was just I made a putt, and whatever happens happens."

Notably, Tom Kim will return to compete on Saturday, 28 September. He will partner with Si Woo Kim in a fourball match against Keegan Bradley and Wyndham Clark. They are set to tee off at 7:38 a.m. ET.