Kim ends decade long wait for maiden Asian win

It may have taken him 10 years but American Sihwan Kim has finally secured his first victory as a professional in the inaugural International Series Thailand at Black Mountain Golf Club.

The result wasn’t as surprising as it sounds though. The 33-year-old had already carded a runner-up finish at last week’s Royal’s Cup 2022 and a 4th place at the SMBC Singapore Open in January, let down only by a lacklustre final round on both occasions.

Sihwan Kim (Credit: Asian Tour)

On Sunday, Kim made sure he didn’t repeat that mistake, firing a 9-under 63 to finish on 26-under and two shots ahead of Thailand’s Phachara Khongwatmai.

“To get that monkey off your back is more of a relief, and happiness, I guess. I know I had it in me, but I guess I just stayed diligent throughout my career, and here I am,” said Kim, who won US$270,000 and moves to the top of the Asian Tour Order of Merit.

“It just felt like I was going to make everything today. I was swinging it really freely. I was just reading the lines really well, felt like I was going to make everything.”

Todd Sinnott was the best of the Aussies in a share of 16th and 17-under. Wade Ormsby (T32), Andrew Dodt (T46), Josh Younger (T56), Kevin Yuan (T56) and Andrew Martin (T62) rounded out the Down Under field to make the weekend cut.

The Asian Tour will take a break now before returning in India for the DGC Open at the Delhi Golf Club.