Golf’s notorious slowpoke, Tom Kim, continues to divide opinion amongst players, pundits, and spectators alike on the PGA Tour. His leisurely pace on the greens, attributed to his excessive waggling, has been the subject of intense scrutiny and criticism. The debate intensified dramatically following his performance at the 2025 AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am.
Tom Kim’s methodical approach has earned him the moniker “the human rain delay.” Michael Kim, when probed for his thoughts on Tom Kim’s playing pace, laughingly conceded, “He’s slow. Everyone knows that haha, what else is there?” This comment opened a Pandora’s box, leading to a flurry of criticism from fellow golf professionals.
In the aftermath of the Pebble Beach Pro-Am, the 2025 WM Phoenix Open saw Kim’s slow play again stealing the headlines. Matt Fitzpatrick’s caddie, Foster, who watched the 22-year-old golfer in action, humorously bemoaned, “Yeah, I’ve fallen asleep on my head covers leaning on the bag waiting for him to hit a shot now and again yeah.” He added, “He’s as slow as it comes, get on with it will you.” This perspective, albeit from the stands, underscores the potential frustration experienced by players sharing the course with Kim.
In a surprising twist, Kim’s caddie, Paul Tesori, has emerged to defend his player’s pace. In an interview with SiriusXM PGA TOUR Radio, Tesori took responsibility for Kim’s delays, stating, “One of the caddy’s responsibilities is the pace of play.” He explained that he’s committed to ensuring everything is ready by the time Kim arrives at his spot, even losing weight in the process.
Tesori also stressed the importance of regular communication between caddies and players. He voiced his belief that active dialogue can aid the player in making swift decisions, reducing time spent evaluating choices. Interestingly, Tesori also pointed out how Kim’s popularity, bolstered by his appearance on the Netflix show ‘Full Swing’ and his early victories on the Tour, might be working against him. According to Tesori, the spotlight on Kim magnifies his actions, often leading to negative outcomes.
Renowned golfer and analyst, Trevor Immelman, offered a unique perspective on Kim’s slow pace. On The Fried Egg Golf Podcast, Immelman stated that Kim, unlike other slow players, wastes significant time just standing over the ball after deciding his shot. This deviation from the norm makes it challenging for spectators and broadcasters alike, as they struggle to follow Kim’s lengthy shot process.
The question remains: Is Tom Kim the slowest player on the PGA Tour? Only time will tell. For now, his deliberate pace continues to be a talking point, sparking debates and igniting impassioned opinions amongst the golfing community.