Scottie Scheffler boasts one of the most remarkable journeys of the post-Tiger era – a few Masters victories, an Olympic gold medal, arm-twisting Tour victories and occasional visits to prison – but despite this, he generally keeps a balanced behavior. That is, unless you challenge him to a putting contest.
At the start of the first day of the Presidents Cup, Tom Kim made a long putt to put pressure on Scheffler. But Scottie didn’t become the best in the world by backing down from a challenge:
“What was that?” Scheffler bellowed, as Kim and partner Sungjae Im celebrated.
One hole later, Kim and Im decided to show a little gamesmanship, leaving the green entirely and heading to the tee box before Scheffler teeed off.
🚨💀⛳️ #BAD BLOOD – Tom Kim and Sungjae Im leave the 8th hole to walk 60 yards to the 9th tee before Scottie Scheffler finishes coming out. Paul McGinley: “It’s borderline bad behavior… it’s disrespectful in my opinion.” pic.twitter.com/zNO2XYV9Xw
– NUCLR GOLF (@NUCLRGOLF) September 26, 2024
Scheffler and his playing partner Russell Henley controlled the opening holes of the match. But thanks to Kim for poking the bear. Few people would try this, and Scheffler showed why.
Kim and Scheffler continued their back-and-forth on the 10th, where Scheffler sank a long birdie and Kim followed up with a 21-footer of her own. A few punches later and both teams were leaving the green, throwing haymakers at each other in the best match of the Presidents Cup first round.
