A Major Opportunity Slips Away
Before Ryan Fox staged a late-round rally this past Sunday, it appeared that Si Woo Kim was the underdog destined to make history at the British Open. The 31-year-old entered the back nine at Royal Birkdale holding the outright lead, putting him in a prime position to become the first golfer of Asian descent to capture the Claret Jug.
However, the momentum shifted dramatically as Kim struggled through the final eight holes, recording four bogeys that ultimately dropped him into a tie for sixth place.
Looking at the Positives and Negatives
On one hand, this result represents a career milestone for Kim. Finishing tied for sixth marks his best performance in 38 major championship appearances, surpassing his previous best of a tie for eighth at last year’s PGA Championship.
Conversely, the four-time PGA Tour champion felt the weight of a missed opportunity. He took to social media shortly after the tournament to offer a blunt assessment of his play, specifically using the term "choke." He posted the following on Instagram:
«Thank you @TheOpen another choke final round and & another top6»
The Season in Perspective
While sports psychologists might advise against such harsh self-criticism, fans were quick to applaud the golfer for his transparency. The context behind his frustration is clear: Kim has secured 10 top-10 finishes throughout 2026—tying him with Scottie Scheffler for the lead on the PGA Tour—yet he has yet to record a victory this year.
With six of those results being top-six finishes, including runner-up spots at the Byron Nelson and Pebble Beach, Kim has demonstrated remarkable consistency despite the absence of a trophy. Despite the disappointment, the prevailing sentiment is that with his current level of play, a return to the winner's circle is likely only a matter of time.