Michael Kim at least saw the funny side of being denied the opportunity to become $10million richer by friend Viktor Hovland.
The pair were competing at the BMW Championship in Maryland, but Kim’s tenth place-finish in the competition wasn’t good enough to see him qualify for the PGA Tour season-finale, the Tour Championship.
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As well as the glory of winning the final tournament in the PGA calendar, it’s a very lucrative opportunity for the 30 competitors.
A total prize pot of $40million is on offer, with a whopping $10m going to the winner.
However, there’s no place for Kim at the Tour Championship as his performance at the BMW Championship saw him drop out of the FedEx top 30.
What will hurt even more for Kim is that his place would’ve been secured had friend Hovland not secured a birdie on the final hole at the BMW Championship.
Hitting par on the 18th would’ve seen Hovland tie with Kim in joint ninth.
But the Norwegian produced a birdie to move up to joint seventh with Rickie Fowler and Ludvig Aaberg, knocking Kim down to tenth at the BMW Championship and the dreaded 31st in the FedEx Cup rankings.
Given Hovland’s place at the Tour Championship had already been secured, perhaps he’d have felt inclined to aim for the par so he could be joined by his friend next week.
“Fought hard but likely not enough… fingers crossed…” Kim tweeted after he finished his round.
Once his fate was sealed by Hovland, American Kim added: “Viktor and I used to be friends…”
A number of golf fans were surprised by Hovland’s ruthless behaviour too, with one saying: “I am a fan of both of you but I was hoping for him to miss the putt.”
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Another said: “Hovland is a cold-blooded putter.”
This fan said: “I can’t believe he did that…”
While this fan joked: “He’s a jerk.”
No place for Kim but the Tour Championship will many of golf’s big name taking part.
Scottie Scheffler and Rory McIlroy are the main contenders to win the prize with JJ Spaun and Justin Rose also there.
There’s also a spot for Tommy Fleetwood, who was given an unexpected helping hand at the BMW Championship with a fly helping him secure a birdie on his final round.
The Tour Championship commences on Thursday with the final round taking place next Sunday.
(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by PostX News and is published from a syndicated feed.)
