Tiger Woods has spoken out in support of Tom Kim after the South Korean star saw approximately $70,000 deducted from his Scottish Open winner’s payout due to tax obligations and mandatory deductions.
Kim captured one of the biggest victories of his career with a composed performance at the Genesis Scottish Open, ending a lengthy winless run and boosting his confidence ahead of the final major championship of the season. However, celebrations were quickly overshadowed when details of his reduced prize money emerged, sparking widespread discussion among golf fans.
While the tournament’s advertised winner’s cheque was significantly higher, a portion of Kim’s earnings was withheld through taxes and other required deductions that apply to professional golfers competing internationally. Such deductions are common on the DP World Tour and PGA Tour, depending on the host country’s tax regulations and the player’s residency status.
Woods, who has developed a close relationship with Kim through their time together on TGL’s Jupiter Links Golf Club, praised the 24-year-old for focusing on the achievement rather than the financial disappointment.
“Winning is what matters,” Woods reportedly said. “The money comes and goes, but trophies stay with you forever. Tom should be proud of what he accomplished.”
The 15-time major champion has mentored Kim over the past few seasons, often offering advice on handling pressure, expectations and life on the professional circuit. Kim has previously described Woods as one of the players he turns to for guidance, crediting the golf legend for helping him mature both on and off the course.
Despite losing around $70,000 from his prize payout, Kim remained upbeat, insisting that the victory itself meant far more than the final figure deposited into his account.
“Winning the Genesis Scottish Open is something I’ll always be proud of,” Kim said. “Of course, nobody enjoys seeing part of their prize money deducted, but that’s part of playing professional golf around the world.”
The victory marked Kim’s first title in three years and reinforced his status as one of golf’s brightest young stars. More importantly, it provided a timely confidence boost heading into The Open Championship, where he hopes to carry his winning form onto another of golf’s biggest stages.
Although the reduced payout generated headlines, many players and analysts pointed out that international taxation has long been part of professional golf, with competitors routinely factoring such deductions into their tournament schedules.
For Woods, the message was simple: the trophy, the confidence and the return to the winner’s circle are worth far more than the amount lost in deductions.
As Kim prepares for the next challenge of the season, he does so with the backing of one of golf’s greatest champions—and with renewed belief that his long-awaited victory could be the beginning of another successful chapter in his career.
