Si Woo Kim Shoots 64 On Sunday To Win The American Express
Sean M. Haffey. Getty Images.
What a final round at the American Express. Patrick Cantlay, who made the cut on the number at -4, poured in an absurd 20 birdies on the weekend to post a number at -22. He was the betting favorite this week after Jon Rahm withdrew and he showed why today with a final round 61 to finish as the clubhouse leader. When he buried this long birdie putt on 18, it looked like he might have stolen this tournament.
Problem for Cantlay was that Si Woo sat on the 16th tee in the final grouping one shot back knowing exactly what was needed to get the job done. And then he went out and did out. Hit a great drive on the par 5 16th and hit a 5 wood that got a favorable kick onto the green. 2-putt birdie and it was tied.
From there he went to the dangerous par 3 17th and hit the safe shot, directly to the middle of the green about 20 feet from the hole. His putt there was the shot of the tournament:
Electric fist pump and an absolutely perfect putt. Great pace, middle of the jar, can't ask for a better roll. That's the stuff you dream of.
From there Si Woo went fairway, green, and easy 2 putt on 18 to clean up a 1 shot victory. Easy as pie. This marks the 3rd career PGA Tour win for the 25 year old, and his first W since the 2017 PLAYERS Championship. Si Woo hasn't really been the same since that win. He's struggled with consistency and fell out of the world top 100 in the middle of last season. There's been flashes of brilliance over the last 4 years, but nothing like what we expected after he became the youngest to ever win golf's biggest non-major at age 21. I find it interesting that he found his form at a Pete Dye course that was designed with the idea of essentially being the TPC Sawgrass of the West Coast. I mean just look at the final 3 holes. Par 5 16th with treacherous danger surrounding the green, and island par 3 17th, and a menacing 18th tee shot with water left. It's close to identical from a design standpoint. It's probably a stretch to think that it was a factor for Si Woo today, but at a minimum it's an interesting coincidence.
Regardless, great tournament by Si Woo. Have to say, yet another disappointing final round by Tony Finau. While you don't turn your nose up at a 68, it was clear that this was a tournament that was there for the taking and he made a handful of errors down the stretch. He had the pressure applied by Cantlay, but it doesn't excuse him getting wet on the par 5 11th and missing a 3 footer to save par there. He was essentially out right then and there. That makes 35 PGA Tour Top 10's (and another 4 overseas) since his PGA Tour "W" in 2016. Such a shame because the guy's got ridiculous game.
Next week we go to Torrey Pines, one of golf's greatest tests. All the big boys will be there. Congrats to Si Woo Kim and see you all next week.
Sean M. Haffey. Getty Images.P.S. CUE THE MUSIC