Tom Kim: 'We're Not Just Here to Compete, We're Here to Win'

Tom Kim sat down with reporters at Royal Montreal Golf Club, and the young Korean star's message was clear: the International Team isn't just showing up to make the numbers—they're coming to win.

Fearless Confidence

At just 22 years old, Kim has already established himself as one of golf's most exciting players and a fearless competitor in team events. His performance at the 2022 Presidents Cup, where he earned crucial points despite being one of the youngest participants, announced his arrival on the international stage.

"I love this format," Kim said, leaning forward with intensity. "In stroke play, you're fighting the course. In match play, you're going head-to-head against someone, and I love that battle. I love the pressure, the celebrations, the crowd energy. This is what I live for."

Asked about facing a Team USA squad loaded with major champions and top-10 ranked players, Kim's response was telling: "They're great players, no doubt. But in match play, ranking doesn't matter. It's 18 holes, one-on-one or two-on-two, and anything can happen. I'm not intimidated by anyone."

Partnership Strategy

While captain Mike Weir hasn't finalized pairings, Kim suggested he's prepared to partner with anyone on the team. During practice rounds, he's played with various teammates, testing chemistry and compatibility.

"I've got great vibes with everyone on this team," Kim explained. "Whether it's playing with Hideki [Matsuyama] and feeding off his incredible ball-striking, or partnering with someone like Adam [Scott] and learning from his experience, I'm ready for whatever captain Weir decides."

The pairing possibilities are intriguing. Kim's aggressive style could complement Matsuyama's steady precision, creating a balanced partnership. Alternatively, pairing Kim with another aggressive player like Si Woo Kim or Cameron Smith could create relentless birdie-making pressure.

Home Crowd Energy

Kim acknowledged that playing in front of passionate Canadian fans supporting the International Team will provide a unique advantage. While Canada is technically on the same continent as the United States, the crowd support will heavily favor the internationals.

"The energy is going to be incredible," Kim said with a wide smile. "We've felt it during practice rounds—people cheering for our good shots, getting excited when we make putts. When competition starts and 40,000 fans are roaring, it's going to be special."

The Korean star's comfort with emotional, high-energy environments makes him perfectly suited to capitalize on crowd support. His willingness to celebrate big moments and engage with fans creates a feedback loop of energy that elevates his performance.

Learning from 2022

Kim's 2022 Presidents Cup experience, though ultimately ending in International Team defeat, provided valuable lessons. He learned about the rhythms of team competition, the importance of partnerships, and how to handle the unique pressures of match play.

"I was nervous in 2022, but I played well because I just let it go and competed," Kim recalled. "This time, I have that experience. I know what to expect, and I'm ready to do even more for this team."

His 2022 performance suggested a player destined for team competition greatness. He made clutch putts, celebrated with passion, and showed no fear despite his youth and relative inexperience. Now, two years older and wiser, Kim appears ready to take on an even larger role.

The Asian Contingent

Kim is part of the strongest Asian contingent in Presidents Cup history. With players like Matsuyama, Im Sung-jae, Si Woo Kim, and potentially others, the International Team features unprecedented depth from the Far East.

"Asian golf is strong right now," Kim noted with pride. "We have multiple guys who can beat anyone on their day. That's a huge advantage for our team. We bring different styles, different strengths, but we all compete hard and we all believe we can win."

The cultural compatibility among Asian players could create effective partnerships while the diversity of playing styles provides captain Weir with strategic flexibility. This combination of chemistry and versatility represents one of the International Team's greatest assets.

Belief System

Perhaps Kim's most important contribution is psychological. His genuine belief that the International Team can win is infectious, spreading confidence throughout the roster.

"Why can't we win?" Kim asked rhetorically. "We've got great players, a brilliant captain who knows this course, and home crowd support. We've got everything we need. Now it's just about going out and doing it."

This mindset—approaching the competition expecting to win rather than hoping to compete—represents a crucial shift for an International Team that has carried the weight of historical failure for too long.

Match Play Mentality

Kim's match play philosophy is aggressive and unapologetic. He believes in making birdies, taking calculated risks, and putting pressure on opponents rather than playing defensively.

"In match play, you can't be passive," he explained. "You have to make your opponent think about what you're doing. If I'm making birdies and celebrating and getting the crowd going, that gets in their head. That's part of the game."

This attacking mindset makes Kim a valuable asset in any format but particularly in four-ball, where aggressive play by both partners creates overwhelming pressure for opponents.

The Challenge Ahead

Kim acknowledged the magnitude of the challenge facing the International Team. Team USA has won 12 of 14 Presidents Cups, and their roster again features incredible depth and talent.

"They're the favorites, and they should be," Kim admitted. "But favorites don't always win. That's why we play the matches. We're going to bring our best golf, compete as hard as we can, and see what happens. I believe we can do something special this week."

Final Thoughts

As the interview concluded, Kim was asked what message he had for International Team fans hoping for an upset.

"Believe in us," he said simply. "We believe in ourselves, and we're going to give everything we have. This could be a special week—one that people remember forever. We're ready to make history."

With players like Tom Kim leading the charge—young, fearless, talented, and utterly confident—the International Team enters the 2025 Presidents Cup with genuine belief that the impossible might just be possible. The American dominance that has defined this competition for nearly 30 years could finally be challenged by a new generation that refuses to accept that winning is beyond their reach.

The golf world is about to find out if belief, talent, and home-field advantage can overcome history. Tom Kim, for one, can't wait for the battle to begin.