A Presidents Cup Moment for the Ages: Si-woo Kim’s 16th Hole Brilliance

Whatever the outcome of the final day at the 2024 Presidents Cup, one highlight stood above the rest — Si-woo Kim’s miraculous chip-in on the 16th green at Royal Montreal Golf Club. In a flash of brilliance, Kim turned a near-impossible position into one of the most viral moments in recent golf history.

Playing alongside Tom Kim, the young South Korean duo was locked in a fierce match against the American powerhouse pairing of Patrick Cantlay and Xander Schauffele. The stakes were high, and the tension even higher. Then came the shot — from thick rough on an upslope, Kim struck gold. The ball bounced, rolled, and dropped into the cup.

Si-woo Kim Channels Steph Curry in Viral Celebration

As if the shot wasn’t enough to send the crowd wild, Kim sprinted across the green in celebration, mimicking NBA icon Steph Curry’s signature victory run. It was raw, emotional, and electrifying — exactly the kind of energy fans crave in team golf events.

The shot tied the match with two holes remaining and instantly became a social media sensation. However, not everyone appreciated the show of passion.

Justin Thomas Defends Si-woo Kim’s Passionate Response

Golf star Justin Thomas quickly came to Kim’s defense. Known for his own fiery performances in team events like the Ryder Cup and Presidents Cup, Thomas took to X (formerly Twitter) to share his thoughts:

“It’s no surprise I love guys showing emotion and getting into it in these team events. As a viewer, SW and Tom were the energy yesterday for their team. I also think some of those celebrations are so out-of-body you don’t even know what you’re doing haha.”

His words resonated with fans who believe golf needs more of this spirited energy — especially during international team competitions.

Why Was Si-woo Kim’s Celebration Controversial?

Criticism surfaced from some quarters — including U.S. team member Wyndham Clark, who was labeled “classless” by fans for his reaction when the Americans eventually secured the match win. Critics argued that Kim’s celebration was premature, considering the Internationals still lost.

But that argument misses the point.

Celebrating an epic, high-pressure moment — regardless of the final outcome — is not only human, it’s what sports are all about. As Thomas suggested, sometimes the emotion takes over. It’s spontaneous. It’s real. And it’s good for the game.

Presidents Cup Saturday Recap: What Really Happened?

Saturday afternoon at the Presidents Cup featured two matches that went the full 18 holes. The kim si-woo pairing was involved in one of them, with Cantlay sinking a clutch putt at dusk to clinch the point for Team USA.

Earlier in the day, however, the Kim duo secured the only point for the International Team, showcasing their chemistry, grit, and energy. At one point, Tom Kim expressed frustration after a short putt wasn’t conceded on the 7th — another moment that added tension to an already heated contest.

Why Justin Thomas’ Support for Si-woo Kim Matters

When a high-profile American golfer like Justin Thomas publicly supports an opponent’s emotional reaction, it sends a powerful message. It says:

• Golf isn’t just about stoicism and tradition.
  
• It’s about raw, human emotion.
  
• It’s okay to show joy, even in defeat.
  

This marks a shift in how younger players and fans engage with the game. Celebrations are no longer taboo — they’re part of the experience.

The Impact of Passionate Celebrations on Team Golf

Events like the Presidents Cup and Ryder Cup are unique in golf because they allow for more expression. There’s camaraderie, national pride, and dramatic momentum swings — just like in football or basketball.

Si-woo Kim’s Steph Curry-style celebration showed that golfers can be entertainers too. They’re athletes, not robots. And when you give them the stage to let loose, the game becomes more engaging for everyone.

Fans loved it. Videos of the celebration trended on social media. Commentators replayed the moment on every highlight reel. That’s exactly the type of buzz the Presidents Cup needs.

Why Team Events Should Embrace More Emotion

Let’s face it: golf has long battled the stereotype of being boring or too buttoned-up. But players like Kim, Tom, and Thomas are flipping that script.

In an era where younger audiences demand authenticity, drama, and energy, moments like Kim’s celebration are not distractions — they’re essential. They breathe life into the sport.

This isn’t about disrespect or showboating. It’s about recognizing the magnitude of a great shot, and celebrating it like it matters — because it does.

Justin Thomas Praises Si Woo Kim Steph Curry-Inspired Celebration at the Presidents Cup

In a memorable moment at the 2024 Presidents Cup, Si Woo Kim electrified fans with an incredible chip-in on the 16th hole, followed by a spirited celebration mimicking NBA star Steph Curry’s iconic “Night Night” gesture. This display of emotion garnered attention from fellow golfers and fans alike, with Justin Thomas offering his perspective on Kim’s exuberant reaction.

The Shot That Sparked Excitement

During the afternoon matches, Si Woo Kim found himself in a challenging position in the thick rough beside the 16th green. Against the odds, he executed a remarkable chip that found the bottom of the cup, tying the match with two holes to play. The crowd erupted as Kim celebrated with a sprint around the green, emulating Steph Curry’s signature move. 

Justin Thomas’s Reaction to Kim’s Celebration

Justin Thomas, known for his competitive spirit, expressed understanding and support for Kim’s enthusiastic celebration. He acknowledged the passion and energy that players like Kim bring to team events, emphasizing the importance of emotional expression in such high-stakes competitions. ​

The Significance of Emotion in Golf

While some critics viewed kim si-woo celebration as premature, especially since the match was not yet secured, others, including Thomas, saw it as a refreshing display of genuine emotion. In a sport often characterized by restraint, such moments of passion resonate with fans and highlight the human aspect of competition.​

Si Woo Kim’s Performance at the 2025 RBC Heritage

Following his dynamic presence at the Presidents Cup, Si Woo Kim continued to showcase his skills at the 2025 RBC Heritage. Despite missing the Masters Tournament for the first time in nine years, Kim channeled his frustration into a stellar performance, leading the tournament after the third round with a 5-under 66.

Phil Mickelson was ‘not happy about’ what talented young amateur did during a practice round ahead of The Masters

Kim’s Putter Choice and Putting Performance

Throughout the RBC Heritage, Kim’s putting was notably improved. He alternated between a broom-handle putter and a short putter, ultimately finding success with the latter. His putting statistics reflected this improvement, ranking second in Strokes Gained: Putting through 36 holes. ​

The Importance of the RBC Heritage in the PGA Tour

The RBC Heritage, held at Harbour Town Golf Links in Hilton Head Island, South Carolina, is a significant event on the PGA Tour. Known for its challenging course and rich history, the tournament attracts top players each year. For those wondering, “Where is RBC Heritage?”—it’s a staple event that tests the skills and resilience of the world’s best golfers.​

Masters Players and the Leaderboard for the Masters

While Si Woo Kim missed the Masters Tournament in 2025, the event featured a competitive field of Masters players vying for the coveted green jacket. The leaderboard for the Masters showcased intense competition, with players delivering exceptional performances throughout the tournament.​

Final Thoughts: Let the Players Feel the Moment

What Si-woo Kim did on that green wasn’t just a celebration. It was a statement — about passion, pressure, and pride. Even though the Internationals didn’t win the match, Kim won something else: the hearts of fans who want more joy and emotion in golf.

And thanks to Justin Thomas, that message was amplified.

Let’s hope future Presidents Cup editions feature even more of these electric moments — the kind that stick in your memory long after the scorecard fades.

Si Woo Kim’s passionate celebration at the Presidents Cup and his subsequent performance at the RBC Heritage exemplify the emotional highs and lows inherent in professional golf. His ability to channel disappointment into motivation serves as an inspiration to fans and fellow players alike. As the season progresses, Kim’s journey continues to captivate the golfing world.