AUGUSTA, Georgia — Kim Si-woo had competed in the Masters Tournament for eight consecutive years before his streak of nine straight appearances was broken last year. He swallowed his disappointment watching from home on TV. He then steadily built up his results and secured one of the Masters qualification criteria — a year-end world ranking of 50th — earning his invitation to Augusta National Golf Club well in advance.
Speaking with Korean reporters in a room inside the press building at Augusta National GC on Monday, Kim said, "I was very disappointed not to come last year after always being here, and it feels great to be back after two years." He added with a smile, "Last year I played in tournaments including ones in Australia and posted good results, which boosted my world ranking and secured my Masters spot before the new season started. It was even better not having to worry about it during the season. It feels like I've come a long way and made it back."
Kim, a four-time winner on the PGA Tour, opened the season on a steep upward trajectory with finishes of tied 11th, tied sixth, tied second and tied third. After a quieter stretch, he reignited his form last week with a tied 10th finish at the Valero Texas Open. The timing is right. It is his turn to carry that momentum into the Masters.
Kim explained that he began working on a backswing overhaul with his swing coach four years ago. After one to two years of adjustment, the changes are now fully in place. Even when mistakes occur on the downswing, he can better identify what type of miss it is, allowing him to move on to the next shot without hesitation.
"I arrived here Sunday night and yesterday I only practiced shots, short game and putting at the practice area. Today I played the back nine," Kim said. "My irons have been working well this season, so I'm playing with more confidence than last year. I have a strength in the 170-to-190-yard range, and I believe I'm actually among the top on Tour in that distance. If the putts cooperate, there's reason to be hopeful."
After missing the cut in his first Masters appearance in 2017, Kim made the cut seven consecutive years through 2024, with a best finish of tied 12th in 2021.
