Tom Kim said he and Si Woo Kim were cursed after losing to Patrick Cantlay and Xander Schauffele, and he accused the Americans of unsportsmanlike conduct.
Kim has become an Ian Poulter figure for the national team, and while his actions may have frustrated the Americans, on Thursday he left the green before Scottie Scheffler made a putt and used his putter to time his own. Not surprisingly, he believes the visitors crossed the line on Saturday night. “I think the beginning of the round was a little bit difficult, but towards the end we started to pick up some steam and you could hear some guys insulting us,” Kim said. “That part wasn’t really the case, I don’t think there was any good sportsmanship there, but it’s all part of the fun. I understand that. Therefore, the American team motivated us to go there. “You see me there shaking my fist and jumping on the grass, it’s all part of it, I get it. I just don’t think it’s necessary to look at someone and insult them. I just don’t think it’s necessary.”
Kim was clearly upset by the way he and Si Woo were beaten on Saturday, and he wouldn’t reveal what exactly was said or by whom. “I get that. It doesn’t upset me,” Kim said. “I’m not hurt at all, I hope there won’t be any negative comments. That’s not what I’m trying to do here. It always feels like there’s this little thing, is there something I can do better? It’s just certain things like this. It puts my partner in a difficult position and for me it’s the most frustrating part of the day.”