Tom Kim’s Rollercoaster start at the 2025 AT&T Pebble beach Pro-Am
The first tee at Pebble Beach is notorious for its ability to rattle even the moast seasoned golfers. Nerves tickle up and down your spine, and the pressure to make solid contact with the ball can be overwhelming. For amateurs, a topped shot off the first tee is almost a rite of passage. but for a PGA Tour pro like Tom Kim, it’s a rare and unexpected moment.Kim, playing in the penultimate pairing alongside Tony Finau and Andrew Novak, began his third round at 10-under, four shots behind 36-hole leader sepp Straka. Despite his experience in high-stakes tournaments, Kim topped his opening tee shot on the par-4 1st hole at Pebble Beach.It’s a moment that countless amateurs have experienced, but for a professional, it’s a rarity.
“But golf is a funny game, and sometimes, stuff like this happens to the best players in the world,” the article notes. Kim’s mishap wasn’t the first time a pro has struggled on the iconic first tee. four years ago, Francesco Molinari, the 2018 Champion Golfer of the Year, topped his opening drive during the third round of the same tournament. Unlike Kim, Molinari couldn’t recover, carding a bogey and ultimately finishing 59th after starting the weekend in a tie for 15th.
Kim, though, turned his shaky start into a moment of brilliance. He chipped in for a birdie on the first hole, showcasing his resilience and skill. He followed it up with another birdie on the par-5 2nd,keeping himself firmly in contention as he eyes his first victory of 2025.
With the weather expected to turn borderline unfair,the final rounds at Pebble Beach promise to be unpredictable. As the article aptly puts it, “anything can happen on Saturday in Monterrey — even an opening top.”
| Key moments | Details |
|————————————-|—————————————————————————–|
| Tom Kim’s Topped Shot | Topped his opening tee shot on the par-4 1st hole at Pebble Beach. |
| recovery | Chipped in for a birdie on the first hole, followed by a birdie on the 2nd. |
| Francesco Molinari’s Experience | Topped his opening drive in 2021, carded a bogey, and finished 59th. |
| Weather forecast | Borderline unfair conditions expected for the final rounds. |
Kim’s ability to bounce back from an early setback highlights the mental toughness required to compete at the highest level. As the tournament progresses,all eyes will be on the young star to see if he can capitalize on his strong start and secure a victory at one of golf’s most iconic venues.
For more updates on the 2025 AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am, follow Jack Milko, SB Nation’s golf staff writer, on X.
tom Kim’s Resilience shines at the 2025 AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am
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The 2025 AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am has already delivered its fair share of drama,with Tom Kim showcasing his ability to bounce back from adversity. From a surprising topped shot on the first hole to an impressive recovery with back-to-back birdies, Kim’s performance highlights the mental fortitude required to compete at one of golf’s most iconic venues. We sat down with renowned golf analyst and former PGA Tour caddie,Michael Thompson,to break down the key moments and what they mean for the tournament’s final rounds.
Tom Kim’s Topped Shot: A Rare Moment for a Pro
Editor: Michael, let’s start with Tom Kim’s topped shot on the first hole. How unusual is it to see a professional golfer make that kind of mistake?
michael Thompson: it’s definitely rare, but not unprecedented. The first tee at Pebble Beach is notorious for creating nervous moments, even for seasoned pros. The combination of the ocean backdrop, the pressure of the tournament, and the need to make solid contact can rattle anyone. What makes it stand out is that Kim is one of the most consistent ball-strikers on tour, so seeing him top a shot was unexpected.
The Art of Recovery: Chipping in for Birdie
Editor: Kim’s recovery was remarkable—chipping in for birdie on the first hole and than following it up with another birdie on the second. What does that tell us about his game and mindset?
Michael Thompson: It shows incredible resilience. Many players,especially after a mishap like that,might let it affect their confidence. But Kim’s ability to refocus and execute under pressure is what separates great players from good ones. Chipping in for birdie was a perfect blend of skill and composure. it’s a testament to his mental toughness, which is crucial in high-stakes tournaments like this.
Francesco Molinari’s Experience: A Cautionary Tale
Editor: You mentioned that Kim’s topped shot wasn’t the first for a pro at Pebble Beach. Can you talk about Francesco molinari’s experience in 2021 and how it compares to Kim’s?
Michael Thompson: Absolutely. Molinari, who’s a major champion, topped his opening drive in 2021 and couldn’t recover, eventually finishing 59th. It’s a stark contrast to Kim’s comeback. The difference lies in how each player responded to the setback. Molinari seemed to let it snowball, while Kim used it as a catalyst to elevate his game. It’s a great example of how mental resilience can dictate outcomes in golf.
Weather and Final Rounds: A Test of Endurance
Editor: The weather forecast for the final rounds is calling for borderline unfair conditions. How might that impact the players, and does Kim have an advantage given his strong start?
Michael Thompson: Challenging weather can level the playing field.Wind, rain, and cold temperatures test every aspect of a player’s game—physical endurance, shot-making, and mental focus. Kim’s strong start gives him a cushion,but he’ll need to maintain that resilience. Players who can adapt quickly and stay patient will have the edge. It’s going to be a true test of skill and determination.
Conclusion: A Star on the Rise
Editor: What’s your final take on Tom Kim’s performance so far and his chances of winning?
Michael Thompson: Kim has shown why he’s one of the most exciting young talents in golf. His ability to recover from adversity and stay composed under pressure is impressive. If he can maintain this level of play and navigate the challenging weather, he’s got a real shot at securing a victory at one of golf’s most iconic venues.This tournament could be a turning point in his career.
