WATCH: Tom Kim goes wild to pump up crowd despite sitting out for day 2 of the Presidents Cup
Tom Kim didn't believe the International fans were as hyped up as they should have been on day one of the Presidents Cup. So the golfer took it upon himself to make sure they were as hyped as could be heading into the second day. Kim himself is not playing, but he wants his teammates to have a great environment to play in.
Kim jogged out of the tunnel to light applause before trying to get the crowd going. Fans slowly got into it, chanting with and at the golfer. He waved a giant flag in an attempt to get them more involved.
This is a vital day for the International side. It fell behind 5-0 to the Americans on day one thanks to Scottie Scheffler and Russell Henley. If there is going to be a comeback, it will have to begin today.
Kim tried to get things going on day one, as he played well and talked trash with Scheffler, but it was to no avail. Now, he can only sit by and watch, but he is at least trying to get the fans to spur his side to a better outing on day 2.
As for his "benching", captain Mike Weir revealed that this was all part of the plan and was not a response to how things went down on Thursday. Via NBC Sports, he said:
“It was not a change after or anything. We have a plan for four-ball, and we have a plan for foursomes. Tom wasn’t in the plans for [Friday], but doesn’t mean he might not be down the road. We’re sticking with the plan.”
Kim will be out today but could very well play a significant role for the International side in the coming days of the Presidents Cup.
Tom Kim called out Canadian fans at Presidents Cup
The International team has a home advantage at the Presidents Cup, but according to Tom Kim, it didn't feel like it on day one. Playing in front of home fans should provide a boost. But Kim felt that the fans weren't loud enough on the opening day.
Kim said via NBC Sports:
“I think it was a little too quiet today being on home soil."
Two of the biggest cheers of the afternoon came when Kim traded birdies with Scottie Scheffler and let him hear about it. Unfortunately, it wasn't enough. Tom Kim continued:
“I don’t think the fans were really – I wish they would have helped us out a bit more, especially being in Canada. I know how much they love golf. I’m definitely expecting more crowds to be louder and for them to be on our side.”
He did his best to get them into that mindset heading into the supremely important second day.