Tom Kim Makes Game-Changing Putter Switch at the Paris Olympics

Tom Kim unveiled a significant change in his equipment at the 2024 Paris Olympics. By incorporating the Scotty Cameron Phantom 9.2 putter into his bag, a club previously wielded by Justin Thomas, Kim made a strategic shift that paid off immediately.

Kim's performance in the opening round in Paris was nothing short of spectacular. Shooting a 66 and carding five birdies, he finished T3, demonstrating the immediate impact of his new putter. This stellar play comes on the backdrop of Kim's 19th position for strokes gained in the opening round, showcasing an impressive putting rate of 1.042, a pretty remarkable improvement from his previous rank of 97th.

The Scotty Cameron Effect

"It kinda just gave me a different feel over the ball, and I definitely put a lot of work into it after The Open Championship, and it definitely performed well," Kim shared post-round of the unintended but fortuitous switch to his new putter (via PGA Tour). This change wasn't initially planned, coming as a surprise even to Kim himself who hadn't anticipated the switch post-British Open.

However, the new club was more than a delightful accident. It was the result of careful consideration and immediate performance improvement that justified its place in Kim's golf bag.

A Season of Ups and Downs

Tom Kim's journey throughout the season has been a rollercoaster of emotions and performances. With starts at The Sentry, where he landed at T45, followed by a series of tournaments with mixed outcomes, Kim's adaptation and growth are evident. Notable mentions include his performances at the Masters Tournament (T30), the RBC Heritage (T18), and a striking T4 finish at the RBC Canadian Open. Each event has been a stepping stone for Kim, culminating in his confident display through the first two rounds at the Olympics.

Kim currently sits T5 after two rounds of play heading into the weekend in Paris.