Tom Kim Sheds ‘Slow Play’ Label with Swift Augusta Round
South Korean star completes Masters round in under four hours after recent pace-of-play criticisms
Augusta, Georgia - Tom Kim answered his critics in resounding fashion on Saturday by completing his third round at the Masters Tournament in just three hours and 50 minutes, firmly shaking off a recent reputation for slow play.
The Shotgun Start podcast confirmed the brisk pace, noting that Kim’s solo round at Augusta National was completed in 230 minutes. Tee times began at 9:50am, with Kim paired only with club marker Michael McDermott, a member of Augusta National Golf Club.
Despite the hilly terrain of the course and the physical challenge it presents, Kim maintained a steady rhythm, finishing each hole in as little as seven and no more than seventeen minutes. His round included four birdies and four bogeys, resulting in an even-par 72. That brought his 54-hole total to 216, or two-over-par.
What stood out most was the way Kim sustained performance while keeping pace. With no group ahead to delay him and McDermott choosing to forgo putting out on short-range putts to preserve Kim’s rhythm, the 21-year-old was able to play with freedom and confidence.
“It was fun out there with Michael,” Kim said. “Yesterday took six hours. Today was so much better – no waiting, no disruption. The rhythm was great.”
Just weeks ago, Kim came under scrutiny during a PGA Tour event for slow play, prompting introspection. He later admitted during a TGL simulator league interview that mental hurdles were affecting his pace but stressed he was making progress.
While Kim’s swift showing may seem personal, it also highlights a broader issue. Slow play has long plagued the professional game, with average 18-hole rounds on the PGA Tour stretching to five and a half hours. At the Masters, rounds often exceed six.
Kim’s performance, however, proved that elite-level golf doesn’t have to be a slog – even at Augusta.