Si Woo Kim Stages Final Round Comeback To Claim Sony Open

Si Woo Kim carded a final round 64 to secure a one shot win over Hayden Buckley

Kim fist pumps after holing a chip
(Image credit: Getty Images)

In the final tournament of the Hawaii swing, it was Si Woo Kim who claimed the title, as a stunning and enthralling final round concluding with the 27-year-old birdieing the final two holes to lift the Sony Open trophy and a fourth PGA Tour win.

Beginning three shots back of overnight leader, Hayden Buckley, Kim was looking to secure his first PGA Tour title since January 2021 and, when he carded three straight birdies to open his final day, it was clear that the South Korean meant business. 

Throughout the final round, we would see a straight up battle between both Kim and Buckley, as both traded birdies with one another. Despite closing out his front nine with two birdies and two bogeys, Kim was still only one shot back of his American opponent with nine holes remaining.

Again, nothing could separate them as they headed down the stretch, with Buckley keeping his slim one shot advantage intact with just a handful of holes remaining.

Ultimately though, the experience of Kim shone through and, on the 17th hole, the pivotal moment happened, as the 27-year-old chipped in from off the green for a birdie and to draw alongside Buckley. That was then followed by a crucial birdie at the par 5 18th, meaning that Buckley would need a birdie to force a playoff, or an eagle to win outright.

Kim waves to the crowd

Kim picks up his first PGA Tour title since the 2021 American Express

(Image credit: Getty Images)

Unfortunately, the 26-year-old couldn't manage either, with Buckley unable to get up-and-down from just off the green as he failed in his bid to secure a first PGA Tour title.

Speaking about his victory, Kim stated: "It's like the first time, winning my first event... it can't be better than this. It is really exciting and a lot of the season is left. I'm trying to get more confidence and then hopefully more wins."

For Buckley though, it was heartbreak, as the American felt he "had control of the tournament pretty much the whole way", but "a late miss on 15 from three or four feet really hurt."

Matt Cradock
Staff Writer

Matt joined Golf Monthly in February 2021 covering weekend news, before also transitioning to equipment and testing. After freelancing for Golf Monthly and The PGA for 18 months, he was offered a full-time position at the company in October 2022 and continues to cover weekend news and social media, as well as help look after Golf Monthly’s many buyers’ guides and equipment reviews.


Taking up the game when he was just seven years of age, Matt made it into his county squad just a year later and continues to play the game at a high standard, with a handicap of around 2-4. To date, his best round came in 2016, where he shot a six-under-par 66 having been seven-under through nine holes. He currently plays at Witney Lakes in Oxfordshire and his favourite player is Rory McIlroy, despite nearly being struck by his second shot at the 17th during the 2015 BMW PGA Championship.


Matt’s current What’s In The Bag?

Driver: Honma TW747, 8.75°

Fairway Wood: TaylorMade Rocketballz Stage 2, 15°, 19°

Hybrid: Adams Super Hybrid, 22°

Irons: Mizuno MP54, 5-PW

Wedges: Cleveland 588 RTX 2.0 Tour Satin, 50°, 56°, 60°

Putter: Cleveland TFI 2135 Satin Cero

Ball: Titleist Pro V1x