Tom Kim: US players ‘curse us’ during Presidents Cup foursomes

An exciting Presidents Cup Saturday might have gone a little too far, at least according to Tom Kim.

After a narrow 1-down loss to Patrick Cantlay and Xander Schauffele in the foursome, Kim accused some US players of insulting him and his partner Si Woo Kim.

“It got a little livelier toward the end,” Tom Kim said. “I could hear some players insulting us. That part wasn’t really – I don’t think there was any good sportsmanship there. But it’s all part of the fun. I get it.”

The Kims put on a show of big putts and even bigger celebrations throughout the day, culminating when Si Woo Kim holed a flop shot for birdie on the par-4 16th at Royal Montreal^Th Hole to level the match with Schauffele and Cantlay – and then ran around the green while executing Steph Curry’s night-night gesture.

Si Woo Kim holed an unusual shot and responded with Steph Curry’s famous “night-night” celebration.

When Cantlay birdied the final game to win the game, both teams exchanged friendly handshakes and there was no semblance of tension, at least on television.

“You see me out there throwing fist pumps and jumping on the green. It’s all part of it, I understand that,” Tom Kim added. “I just don’t think it’s necessary to look at someone and curse them. I just don’t think there’s a need for it. I understand it. I won’t get hurt by this. My feelings don’t hurt at all. I hope there are no negative comments. That’s not what I’m trying to do here.”

Neither Kim was asked to provide details about which players shouted the profanity. Schauffele was asked about this in his press conference, to which he replied: “I mean, I can speak for myself. I felt like Pat and I treated the Kims with the utmost respect. We try to calm the crowd when they strike. … It was fair: take, give and go.

“I have no idea if anyone has done anything like this. I don’t think any of our guys would do something like that. So I’m not sure what he heard.”

Golf Channel’s Todd Lewis later met with Tom Kim and Kim confirmed that he had indeed heard some “PG, inflammatory” comments directed at her from the “American team.” Lewis added that Kim did not name names, but confirmed that the comments did not come from Schauffele, Cantlay or any of her caddies, Austin Kaiser and Joe LaCava.

Golf Channel’s Rex Hoggard added that he believes the incident Kim spoke of occurred on the 11th hole, when some members of the U.S. contingent following behind the ropes said to Tom Kim “very loudly and very “loud.”