The Influence of Golfing Idols: Si Woo Kim on Learning from the Best
Every golfer has an idol or a group of players they admire, drawing inspiration from their techniques, strategies, and mental approaches to the game. Some look up to legendary figures like Tiger Woods and Jack Nicklaus, while others follow modern stars such as Rory McIlroy and Justin Thomas. Studying these players allows golfers to incorporate new skills and mindsets into their own game, ultimately helping them improve and reach greater heights.
This concept was highlighted in a recent episode of Golf’s Subpar podcast on Apple Podcasts, where professional golfer Si Woo Kim shared his admiration for playing alongside elite players like McIlroy, Brooks Koepka, and Scottie Scheffler. Kim’s motivation in these interactions isn’t necessarily about forming friendships but rather about learning from some of the best in the game. He explained, “I like, love to learn from them, and if we play together, I can catch something they do good like a special shot I can watch.” This perspective underscores the value of studying top golfers to improve one’s own performance.
A Humbling Experience Against McIlroy
Kim recalled his first time playing with Rory McIlroy, admitting that he initially felt intimidated and believed he had “no chance” against the Northern Irish superstar. Jokingly, Kim said, “If 1 on 1, I got to no chance.” He even confessed that he felt discouraged after seeing McIlroy outdrive him by 50 yards, stating, “I feel like so poor; like, he drives me out 50 yards.”
One particular moment stood out to Kim during their round together at Pebble Beach, where he witnessed McIlroy sink an incredible eagle. Describing the shot, Kim said, “That’s crazy. I hit driver and between 4 and 5, I hit the five and straight pole. I don’t know. I feel like it’s hard.”
The shot that left Kim in awe happened at the Pebble Beach Pro-Am, where McIlroy delivered a monstrous 339-yard drive on the 14th hole, leaving himself a 7-iron approach to the green. He then hit a 221-yard shot to land the ball 27 feet from the hole and confidently sank the eagle putt. This remarkable performance helped McIlroy pull three strokes ahead with four holes remaining, securing a two-shot victory. Reflecting on that round, Kim admitted, “I played one time with Rory, like, I feel so bad after that. I wanna quit this; I’m so bad.”
McIlroy’s History of Stunning Shots
While this was a humbling experience for Kim, it wasn’t the first time McIlroy had left fans and fellow golfers in awe with his control and precision. The four-time major champion has a reputation for pulling off spectacular shots, including hole-in-ones that showcase his mastery of the game.
His first professional hole-in-one came in 2015 at the Abu Dhabi Championship, where he perfectly struck a 9-iron shot from 177 yards out. The ball spun toward the hole and dropped in effortlessly, impressing both spectators and fellow golfers, including Rickie Fowler, who congratulated him on the feat. At just 25 years old, McIlroy demonstrated an extraordinary level of precision, proving that he was already a dominant force in golf.
Years later, in 2023, McIlroy achieved another incredible ace—this time, his first-ever PGA Tour hole-in-one at the Travelers Championship. He launched a 218-yard shot with a perfect trajectory that landed directly in the hole. Rather than celebrating in a dramatic fashion, McIlroy casually tossed the ball to a spectator, reinforcing his mindset that trophies matter more to him than sentimental moments. He once remarked, “I’m not sentimental; I don’t care. I’d rather have trophies than golf balls.”
The Balance Between Inspiration and Intimidation
While McIlroy’s dominance is inspiring to many, it can also be intimidating for some competitors, as seen in Si Woo Kim’s experience. However, Kim’s approach—learning from top players rather than feeling discouraged—demonstrates a growth mindset that has undoubtedly contributed to his success.
McIlroy’s ability to control the course, execute difficult shots under pressure, and maintain a confident attitude makes him one of the most respected golfers in the game today. Whether his presence inspires or intimidates fellow golfers depends on their perspective, but one thing is certain: his influence on the sport is undeniable.