Tom Kim, a 22-year-old golfer, is gearing up for the 2024 Shriners Children’s Open in Las Vegas, where he has a chance to achieve a rare milestone: winning the same tournament three years in a row. If successful, he would join the elite ranks of Tiger Woods as one of only four players to achieve this feat since the year 2000.
Kim’s journey to this point has already seen him make history. Last year, he became the youngest player since Woods to win three times on the PGA Tour. His first victory at the Shriners Children’s Open two years ago marked him as the first golfer to win twice before turning 21, a significant accomplishment that drew comparisons to Woods.
Historical Context of Three-Peats
Winning a tournament three times in a row is a difficult challenge, and while Woods has done it six times, other golfers have also managed to achieve three-peats. Stuart Appleby won the Sentry tournament three times from 2004 to 2006, and Steve Stricker had three consecutive wins at the John Deere Classic from 2009 to 2011. However, no golfer has managed to pull off a three-peat since Stricker’s impressive run.
Scottie Scheffler, a close friend of Kim’s and the current world No. 1, recently had a chance to win three times in a row at the WM Phoenix Open but fell short. He will get another chance in 2025 at the Players Championship.
Other top golfers, like Rory McIlroy, Sam Burns, and Viktor Hovland, have also faced similar hurdles in their attempts for a three-peat but have not succeeded. Despite not yet having the same accolades as some of his peers, Kim is seen as having a strong chance to make history this week.
Unique Opportunity for Kim
What sets Kim apart is that his potential three-peat would happen outside the regular PGA Tour season. Most recent attempts for three-peat titles have occurred during the main season. Kim’s situation is unique because it gives him a better shot at claiming a title while many top players take a break from competition.
This week, Kim is favored to win, according to BetMGM, partly due to the fact that many of the big names in golf are not participating. The FedEx Cup Fall has allowed top players to rest before the new year, leaving an opportunity for those ranked lower to compete for status in future events.
While some winners from this past season are competing at TPC Summerlin, several well-known players, like Patrick Cantlay and Sungjae Im, are sitting out this week. For Kim, this means less competition from the sport’s biggest stars, giving him a clearer path to victory.
Kim’s Motivation
Tom Kim has several motivations going into this tournament. After finishing the last season ranked No. 51 in the FedEx Cup, he is eager to prove himself, especially following a disappointing performance during the playoffs where he had a tough ending with a bogey-double bogey-double bogey finish.
Additionally, Kim’s recent experience at the Presidents Cup adds to his motivation. Although he played well and put on an entertaining show, he finished with a 1-2-1 record in a losing effort for the International team. This mixed performance may fuel his desire to succeed and showcase his skills on a bigger stage.
A Clear Path Ahead
With favorable conditions and a chance to make history, Tom Kim is poised to take on the challenge of winning the Shriners Children’s Open for the third time. If he succeeds, it will not only add another trophy to his collection but also deepen his connection to Tiger Woods, solidifying his place in golf history.
As he steps onto the course this week, all eyes will be on him. The unique circumstances surrounding this tournament may provide him with the opportunity he needs to join the ranks of golf’s greats and continue his rise in the sport. With determination and a supportive environment, Kim seems ready to chart a course toward another significant victory.
