Tom Kim wins Genesis Scottish Open 2025; Indian-origin trio fade
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
South Korea's Tom Kim claimed the Genesis Scottish Open title at North Berwick on 13 July with a stunning bogey-free final-round 64, finishing at 17-under-par to win by two shots — while the Indian-origin contingent endured a collective fade, with none able to mount a serious challenge.
Kim's Dominant Final Round
Tom Kim, 24, began the final day just one stroke off the lead and proceeded to dismantle the Renaissance Club with a flawless eight-under 64. He set the tone with a birdie on the opening hole and delivered the decisive blow at the par-three 16th, landing a 203-yard approach to within six feet and converting the birdie putt to seize an unassailable lead.
'That second shot might be one of the best shots I've hit in my career so far,' Kim said after sealing victory.
The win ended a 1,001-day drought since his previous PGA TOUR triumph at the 2023 Shriners Children's Open. It is Kim's fourth PGA TOUR title, drawing him level with Si Woo Kim and leaving only K.J. Choi ahead of him among South Korean winners on the circuit. He also became the first South Korean to win the Genesis Scottish Open.
Indian-Origin Golfers Struggle on Weekend
Indo-Canadian Sudarshan Yellamaraju had been one of the tournament's most pleasant surprises, posting rounds of 68 and 65 to sit inside the top 10 at the halfway stage. However, a final-round seven-over 77 — reportedly the product of difficult weekend conditions — sent him tumbling to a tied-52nd finish.
Indian-American Sahith Theegala, continuing his return to competitive golf following an injury layoff earlier this year, carded a closing one-under 71 to settle for a share of 66th place. The Hero-backed golfer posted a steady round but could not generate enough birdie momentum to climb the leaderboard.
For Aaron Rai — the defending Scottish Open champion and reigning PGA Championship winner — the week ended prematurely on Friday. Rounds of 71 and 70 were not enough to make the cut, bringing his title defence to an early conclusion.
Leaderboard and Key Finishers
Australia's Min Woo Lee closed with a five-under 67 to finish runner-up, two shots behind Kim. Defending champion Robert MacIntyre shared third place alongside England's Matt Fitzpatrick, Japan's Keita Nakajima, and American Johnny Keefer.
Notably, Rory McIlroy's closing 64 lifted the home favourite into a share of seventh place — a strong finish that will nonetheless leave him reflecting on a missed opportunity over the first two rounds.
Open Championship Qualifying Spots
Three places at next week's Open Championship at Royal Birkdale were on offer through the Open Qualifying Series. Johnny Keefer's tied-third finish secured one berth, with the remaining spots going to Michael Thorbjornsen and France's Victor Perez.
With Royal Birkdale on the horizon, the Scottish Open has once again served as both a form guide and a qualifying gateway — and Kim arrives at the final major of the year in commanding form.