Tensions Flare at Presidents Cup Amid Cursing Allegations

On a highly competitive Saturday at the Presidents Cup, South Korean golfer Tom Kim made headlines by alleging that some United States players directed expletives at him and his partner, Si Woo Kim. The pair narrowly lost their match against Patrick Cantlay and Xander Schauffele, concluding the day one down in the foursomes at Royal Montreal.

In a post-match press conference, Tom Kim expressed dissatisfaction with what he perceived as a lack of sportsmanship from the opposing team. “As it got towards the end, it got a little feisty out there,” Kim remarked. “I could hear some players cursing at us. That part wasn’t really—I don’t think there was good sportsmanship there. But it’s all part of the fun. I understand it.”

The game featured notable highlights, including Si Woo Kim’s spectacular flop shot for birdie on the par-4 16th hole, which tied the match and was celebrated with Steph Curry‘s iconic “night-night” gesture. Despite the intense competition, both teams exchanged handshakes at the end of the match, with no visible signs of tension on television.

When asked to provide specifics about the alleged incidents, Tom Kim refrained from naming individuals. Schauffele, when questioned during his press briefing, asserted that he and Cantlay had treated the Kims “with the utmost respect,” adding, “We’re trying to quiet the crowds down when they were hitting… It was fair take, give and go.” Schauffele further questioned the veracity of Kim’s claims, stating, “I have no clue if anyone was doing any of that. I don’t believe any of our guys would do something like that. So, I’m not sure what he was hearing.”

Golf Channel‘s Todd Lewis later caught up with Tom Kim, who reiterated his claim of hearing “PG, inflammatory” remarks from the American team. However, Kim clarified that the comments did not come from Schauffele, Cantlay, or their caddies, Austin Kaiser and Joe LaCava. Additional coverage by Golf Channel’s Rex Hoggard suggested the incident may have taken place at the 11th hole, where U.S. followers within the ropes were notably boisterous towards Tom Kim.