Si Woo Kim Aims for RBC Heritage Victory Following Masters Absence

Hilton Head (USA), April 19 (NationPress) Experiencing his first absence from the Masters Tournament in nine years was a tough blow for Si Woo Kim, and triumphing at this week’s RBC Heritage could serve as the much-needed remedy to restore his spirits.

The South Korean golfer delivered an impressive 7-under 64 at Harbour Town on Friday, propelling him into a tie for second place at 10-under, just two shots behind 36-hole leader Justin Thomas in the USD 20 million PGA Tour Signature event.

World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler (70), currently tied for sixth at 8-under, along with fellow major titleholders Collin Morikawa (66), Brian Harman (69), and Wyndham Clark (70), all sitting at 7-under, are among the prominent contenders pursuing Thomas, who followed up his opening round of 61 with a 69 to lead at 12-under.

Kim, a four-time PGA Tour champion, expressed his disappointment over missing the trip to Augusta National for the first time since 2017. “I felt so much frustration watching the Masters last week, but I have to move forward. I’m just focusing on this week,” remarked the 29-year-old, who entered the competition after two missed cuts in Texas.

“I felt a lot of pressure leading up to the Masters. I’ve played there for the last eight years, and I didn’t want to miss it this year, but the Texas swing was stressful, and I didn’t qualify.”

The affable Kim is attempting to channel his frustration into his game, which has yet to shine this season. He has yet to secure a top-10 finish in 11 tournaments but has achieved four top-25 results. Although his ball striking has been commendable, his performance on the putting greens has been his Achilles' heel this year, ranking 140th in Strokes Gained: Putting. He has alternated between a broom-handle putter and a short putter, with the latter proving effective so far this week, placing him second through 36 holes.

“It was a solid round. I wasn’t feeling great, but I managed to figure things out on the course, hitting good iron shots. I still need to refine my game, but I feel comfortable. We have two more days,” he said.

He executed a remarkable eagle after launching a 276-yard approach to five feet on the par-5 5th hole, complemented by six birdies and a single bogey, which lifted him into contention. In 2018, Kim lost in a playoff at Harbour Town to Japan's Satoshi Kodaira, giving him a score to settle.

“I’ve performed well here in the past, so I enjoy it. This course doesn’t require long drives; even shorter hitters can compete, which I appreciate,” he said.

“I didn’t feel great even at the beginning of yesterday. I was anxious with the driver off the tee, worrying too much. When I hit it well, I want to just go for it and focus on the pin without concern. This time, I was more reserved and cautious in my play today.”