In a stunning twist at the 2025 TOUR Championship, Michael Kim found himself on the wrong side of a heart-wrenching playoff exit, and all thanks to Viktor Hovland’s last-minute surge. The stakes were high for Kim, making his FedExCup debut, and he came excruciatingly close to securing a coveted spot in the final playoff stretch. After a solid performance leading up to the weekend, including an even-par 70 on Saturday, Kim watched helplessly as a fellow competitor’s birdie putt sealed his fate, relegating him to a disheartening 31st place in the FedEx Cup standings.
In a candid reflection shared on social media, Kim expressed the emotional toll of his near-miss, stating, “Man it’s difficult to describe the feeling of finishing 31. It’s not as painful as some of the moments I’ve had in my career when I’ve lost my card [2020-21 season] but it’s this dull disappointing knot in my heart.” The agony was compounded by Hovland’s critical performance; a simple par on the last hole during the BMW Championship would have left Kim tied for ninth and safely in the top 30. Instead, Hovland’s impressive birdie catapulted him into a tie for seventh, pushing Kim down to the dreaded 10th position.
Despite the sting of disappointment, Kim attempted to mask his frustration with humor, replying to a fan’s sympathy by quipping, “I used to like him [Hovland] too.” His playful sarcasm hinted at the mixed feelings swirling within him. Hovland, after all, had delivered a stellar performance, finishing with an impressive 7-under par, while Kim was left grappling with what could have been.
Even with this setback, Kim has plenty to celebrate from his 2025 season. Competing in 26 tournaments, he notched four top-10 finishes, including a notable runner-up finish at the WM Phoenix Open. This represents a significant improvement from his 2024 campaign, where he only managed two top-10 finishes. Reflecting on his season, Kim remarked, “Tour championship would have been really nice but I know I have lots to build upon this season and keeps me hungry for next year.” He plans to maintain his momentum into the fall, with exciting opportunities ahead overseas.
But Kim is not alone in facing disappointment. Rickie Fowler also found himself falling short during the BMW Championship. Despite starting the weekend ranked 48th in the FedEx Cup standings, Fowler fought hard, carding a 3-under 67 to inch closer to the top 30. “Did what I needed to do today,” he stated, feeling optimistic about his chances. However, a series of unfortunate events on the final holes derailed his ascent. After a promising start, Fowler’s game faltered with a double-bogey on the 15th hole, ultimately leaving him just shy of the TOUR Championship at 32nd place.
Fowler’s journey to the BMW Championship had been impressive, as he surged from 48th to contention. Yet, the final holes proved to be a bitter pill to swallow, highlighting the unpredictable nature of golf. “It’s hard to look back on 15 and say I did a whole lot wrong. I hit one down the middle and thought I flagged an iron shot. Just went a long ways,” he lamented.
The exits of both Kim and Fowler, fan favorites with dedicated followings, have left a palpable sense of disappointment among their supporters. As the spotlight now shifts to the TOUR Championship, the golf world is left to ponder the fine line between success and heartbreak in the elite realm of professional golf.
