Kim Joo-hyung claimed victory at the PGA Tour's Genesis Scottish Open, which carried a total purse of $9 million.
In the final round on the 13th (Korea time) at The Renaissance Club (par 70) in North Berwick, Scotland, Kim delivered a flawless performance, carding six birdies with no bogeys for a 6-under 64. Finishing at 17-under 263, Kim edged out Australian-Korean Min Woo Lee, who shot 15-under, by two strokes to take the title.
Kim, who had fallen into a slump after winning the Shriners Children's Open in October 2023, added a victory after 33 months, recording his fourth career PGA Tour win at the age of 24 and earning $1.62 million in prize money (1.2 million pounds, or about 2.4 billion won).
Kim, who drew the attention of the global golf world by winning his first title at the 2022 PGA Tour Wyndham Championship, endured a long slump after the 2023 Shriners Children's Open. In particular, last season he missed the cut nine times in 26 tournaments and finished in the top 10 only once.
However, Kim signaled his emergence from the slump by finishing alone in third place at the U.S. Open, a major tournament, last June. Buoyed by this victory, he will now challenge for the crown at The Open, a major tournament that opens on the 16th.
Kim, who also secured a spot in next year's Masters Tournament, received 500 PGA Tour FedEx Cup points, lifting his ranking to 32nd.
At this Scottish Open, play was delayed due to fog, forcing Kim to complete the remaining holes of the third round and all 18 holes of the fourth round in succession on the day.
Starting the fourth round in a tie for fourth, one stroke behind the leader, Kim cut three strokes on the front nine, then sank a birdie putt of just over 4 meters on the 10th hole (par 4) to move into sole first place with a two-stroke lead.
After recording birdies on the 12th (par 5) and 16th holes (par 4), Kim comfortably made par on the 18th hole (par 4) to seal the victory.
Kim, who shed tears at the awards ceremony after his win, said, "Over the past few years I have gone through hard times and tasted many bitter defeats." He added, "I am still trying to grow and continuing to learn."
He continued, "I still have a long way to go. I want to dedicate this victory to the people who have always stood by my side, worked through the difficulties with me, and rejoiced together with me."
Kim Si-woo, who competed alongside him, cut four strokes on the final day to finish tied for ninth at 11-under 269.
World No. 2 Rory McIlroy of Northern Ireland fought hard, cutting six strokes, but finished the tournament tied for seventh at 12-under.
