Presidents Cup row rumbles on as Team USA star bites back at Tom Kim

The recent Presidents Cup may have ended with an American victory, but the real story unfolded in the heated exchanges and spirited celebrations that set the Royal Montreal Golf Club alight. Amidst all the drama, Wyndham Clark has added his voice to the growing chorus of opinions on the contentious moments that marred the tournament.

Clark dismissed any suggestions of misconduct by the US team during their 18.5-11.5 triumph over the International squad, insisting the tension on the greens was just part of the game. Throughout the four-day competition, Tom Kim found himself at the center of the brewing storm, earning both praise and ire as the young golfer, in only his second Presidents Cup appearance, took on the role of a firebrand for Team International.

From the very first day, Kim’s competitive spirit was palpable, sparring with Scottie Scheffler and later getting into a heated exchange alongside his teammate Si Woo Kim during Saturday’s foursomes against Patrick Cantlay and Xander Schauffele. The temperature spiked on the 16th hole when Si Woo chipped in from the bunker and celebrated with Steph Curry’s iconic “Night, Night” gesture. Yet, just two holes later, the Kims suffered a defeat to the American duo, setting the stage for Clark’s response.

Spectating from the sidelines, Clark couldn’t resist mimicking Si Woo’s gesture, an act that didn’t go unnoticed. Allegations soon followed, with Kim claiming the US team had crossed a line by swearing at him and his teammates. His caddie, Paul Tesori, backed up the claims, citing multiple instances where American players directed personal jabs at Kim.

Clark, however, had a different take when recounting the atmosphere to Golf Digest’s *The Loop* podcast. Reflecting on a previous match against Kim and Si Woo, he acknowledged their superb performance and exuberant celebrations, which set the tone for the escalating tension. “They played unbelievable, and we witnessed all the celebrations they were doing,” he remarked.

He defended his mocking gesture, explaining that Si Woo’s celebration at the 18th green, in front of Tony Finau, seemed ill-timed given how closely contested the matches were. “Tony and I looked at each other and thought, ‘It’s a tight ball game. I don’t understand why you would do that,’” Clark shared, making it clear that emotions were running high on both sides.

As the dust settles on the 2024 Presidents Cup, the memorable exchanges and fierce competitiveness will be remembered just as much as the final score. For fans and players alike, the passion and drama at Royal Montreal Golf Club showcased the intense pride and rivalry that defines this storied tournament.