Kim Si-woo rates season 9/10, eyes win in final playoff events

Kim Si-woo, currently competing in the PGA Tour playoffs, has given his season a 9 out of 10, reserving the final point for a victory. He expressed his determination to win one of the remaining two tournaments, the BMW Championship and the Tour Championship.

"I want to pour all my energy into the remaining tournaments and create a chance to win this week or next week," Kim told Korean reporters via video conference ahead of the BMW Championship. "I will work hard to win at least one of the remaining two tournaments."

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I want to pour all my energy into the remaining tournaments and create a chance to win this week or next week.

Despite not having won a tour event since the Sony Open in Hawaii in January 2023, where he secured his fourth career title, Kim has had a strong season. He has recorded 11 top-10 finishes in 22 regular-season events, including three runner-up finishes. Last week, he finished second in the FedEx St. Jude Championship, climbing to fourth in the FedEx Cup standings.

Kim attributes his consistent performance this year to offseason changes, including practicing a wider variety of shots and learning to choose between fade and draw shots based on pin positions. He also improved his strategic play, distinguishing when to be aggressive and when to play defensively. He has been practicing with world No. 1 Scottie Scheffler almost weekly, seeking advice on challenging shots and incorporating them into his game. "I've been practicing with Scheffler for almost two years, and I've only tied him twice, never beaten him," Kim said with a laugh.

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I will work hard to win at least one of the remaining two tournaments.

His experience in contending for victories this season has boosted his confidence. "I didn't lose because I was nervous; it's just that I hadn't been in contention for a win in recent years, so I didn't know how to play," he explained. "This year, I've been playing in contention more often, and I've improved a lot in that regard." Kim believes that winning on tour requires both skill and luck, and he is confident that a victory will come with continued effort. He reiterated his 9-point rating for the season, stating, "Except for the win, it's almost a career-best season. I've been consistent in all tournaments and felt my skills improving. Not winning is the minus 1 point."

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I've been practicing with Scheffler for almost two years, and I've only tied him twice, never beaten him.

Regarding the Tour Championship format, Kim favors the current system where all top 30 players start on equal footing, unlike previous years. "After the BMW Championship, it resets, giving players with lower rankings a chance," he noted. "It's fairer that players who performed well all year get a bonus, and then everyone starts from the same line at the end."

Kim also expressed his desire to compete in a domestic tournament in Korea. "I really want to play in a domestic tournament this year," he said. "I haven't won in front of Korean fans yet. I hope the day comes when I can win in Korea."

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Except for the win, it's almost a career-best season. I've been consistent in all tournaments and felt my skills improving. Not winning is the minus 1 point.