Tom Kim's 2026 Presidents Cup Bag Breakdown: What's Powering Korea's Rising Star

The Best Player at the Presidents Cup

Let me tell you, when Tom Kim walked off the 16th green on Sunday after closing out Wyndham Clark 3&2 in singles, there wasn't a soul at the venue who could argue against him being the standout performer of the entire 2026 Presidents Cup. The young Korean phenom delivered when his International Team needed it most, and he made it look almost effortless.

Clark had been absolutely lights out for the American side all week, which made Kim's decisive victory even more impressive. This wasn't just a good performance—this was a statement from one of the game's brightest young talents that he belongs among the elite.

Tom Kim's September 2026 Setup

So what exactly is Kim trusting to produce these clutch performances? Let's break down what's reportedly in the bag for the 24-year-old as of this month.

Driver

Kim continues to rely on equipment that allows him to shape the ball both ways off the tee. His driver setup reflects the precision-focused approach that's become his signature—he's not trying to bomb it past everyone, but he's finding fairways at an elite clip and positioning himself for attack.

Irons

The iron play is where Kim really separates himself from the pack. His ball-striking numbers throughout the Presidents Cup were absolutely ridiculous, and his ability to control trajectory in the varying wind conditions was a masterclass in shotmaking. These are the clubs that earn him his paychecks.

Wedges

Around the greens, Kim's touch has always been exceptional for someone his age. His wedge setup gives him plenty of options for the creative short game shots he loves to pull out under pressure. The guy has hands that would make a surgeon jealous.

Putter

The flat stick has been the final piece of the puzzle this season. Kim's confidence on the greens was evident throughout the Presidents Cup, draining crucial putts when the moment demanded it. His setup promotes a consistent stroke that holds up when the heat is on.

Why This Matters for the International Team

The International Team has been searching for a genuine superstar—someone who can go toe-to-toe with the Americans' best and come out on top. In Tom Kim, they've found exactly that player. At just 24 years old, he's positioned to be the face of International golf for the next decade-plus.

What strikes me most about Kim is his composure. Presidents Cup pressure is different. You're not just playing for yourself—you're representing your teammates, your continent, and millions of fans back home. Kim didn't just handle that pressure; he seemed to feed off it.

Looking Ahead

The fall portion of the PGA Tour season still has plenty of golf left, and I'd expect Kim to carry this momentum forward. When you're swinging with this kind of confidence and your equipment is dialed in perfectly, good things tend to happen.

Keep an eye on this kid at signature events down the stretch. If he's playing this well in September, the 2027 major championship season could be very interesting indeed.

Key Takeaways

• Presidents Cup MVP material: Kim was arguably the best player on either team throughout the week
• Clutch factor: His 3&2 victory over the red-hot Wyndham Clark in Sunday singles was a statement win
• Equipment dialed: His current setup is clearly producing results at the highest level
• Future star: At 24, Kim is positioning himself as the face of International golf for years to come