Defending Champion Tom Kim Surges Up Leaderboard at Shriners Children’s Open

LAS VEGAS – In a remarkable turn of events, defending champion Tom Kim has positioned himself at the top of the leaderboard at the Shriners Children’s Open with a phenomenal 9-under 62 in Las Vegas. This outstanding performance not only puts him in contention for the title, but also gives him the opportunity to win the same tournament twice in one season.

Kim’s exceptional round of 62 in the third round at the TPC Summerlin is reminiscent of his previous year’s performance, which ultimately led to a playoff victory over Patrick Cantlay. In an interesting twist, this victory occurred during the early part of the season, but due to the PGA Tour’s shift back to a calendar year, it is technically still part of the same season.

Joining Kim at the top of the leaderboard is Adam Hadwin, who played a flawless round without any bogeys. Hadwin’s skillful play on the par 3s resulted in more birdies than on the par 5s, securing him a 63 and a share of the lead. Lanto Griffin, a late arrival to the leaderboard, also managed to catch up with Kim and Hadwin with a solid round that included three birdies in a four-hole stretch.

Despite the spotlight on these three players, the final round is far from being a three-man race. K.H. Lee, with a score of 66, is among three players just one shot back. In fact, a total of 14 players are within three shots of the lead, including notable names like J.T. Poston and Canadian Open champion Nick Taylor.

Poston, who made an impressive bunker shot on the 15th hole for birdie, unexpectedly encountered a setback on the par-5 16th. His shot landed in the water, leading to a series of unfortunate events that ultimately resulted in a triple bogey. Taylor, on the other hand, missed a crucial birdie opportunity on the par-5 16th and later suffered a double bogey on the par-3 17th, leaving him just one shot off the lead.

For Kim, the defending champion, this tournament holds significant sentimental value. Raised primarily in Australia, the 21-year-old South Korean won twice last year but was unable to defend his title in the Wyndham Championship due to an ankle injury. As a result, the Shriners Children’s Open serves as his first PGA Tour title defense, and he is relishing in the experience.

Kim expressed his excitement, saying, “It’s actually pretty cool. Just the vibe, feeling like you won this event last year, and I feel like because you won, you have the positive vibes and you kind of relive that winning moment… Just to be able to come back – especially now near the leaderboard – at least I have a chance on Sunday.”

Hadwin, who has not played since the BMW Championship in August, is feeling rejuvenated rather than rusty. He finished in the top 50 in the FedExCup, granting him entry into all the $20 million events next year. However, with a current world ranking of No. 56, he is determined to secure a spot in the Masters, as only the top 50 at the end of the year qualify.

Griffin, who has faced multiple injuries including back surgery and a rib injury, sees this event as an opportunity to showcase his full recovery. His late surge with crucial birdies on Saturday demonstrates his ability to perform under pressure.

As the final round approaches, the competition remains fierce, with many players within striking distance of the lead. The pressure is on as these golfers vie for victory in the Shriners Children’s Open.