MONTREAL: South Korea’s Tom Kim, the emotional spark for the Internationals against the United States in the Presidents Cup, said he and partner Kim Si-woo were cursed by the opposition on Saturday. The South Korean duo went 1-1 against Patrick Cantlay and Xander Schauffele at Royal Montreal as the American team went 11-7 in their last 12 singles matches on Sunday. Both Kims buried long shots to win holes in a showdown that turned emotional, with Kim Si-woo making the NBA Stephen Curry “goodnight” gesture after sinking a 40-foot chip from the rough green to win the 16th hole. “My favorite NBA player is Steph Curry, so I did it,” Kim Si-woo said. “It didn’t end well, but yes, I was excited. Tom Kim said emotions led to unsportsmanlike conduct. “As it got closer to the end, it was a little nervous,” Tom Kim said. “I heard some players swearing at us. I don’t think it was good sportsmanship. But that’s all part of the fun. I get it.” “The American team definitely motivated us to go there. Tom Kim, who sank a 38-foot putt to win the ninth, encouraged fans to cheer and pump their fists as clutch putts landed on the back nine. “You see me out there stomping on my pumps and jumping on the green. That’s all part of it,” he said. “I just don’t think it’s necessary to look at someone and call them names. I just don’t think it’s necessary.” “My feelings are not hurt at all. Second-ranked Schauffele, who has won two majors this year, and Cantlay said they were unaware of any abuse directed at their Korean rivals. “I felt like Pat and I treated the Kims with the utmost respect. We try to quiet the crowds when they hit,” Schauffele said. “I have no idea if anybody did any of that. I don’t believe any of our guys did anything like that. So I’m not sure what he heard.” Cantlay admitted, “Not even 10 minutes ago, I didn’t even know what a goodnight gesture was,” and said he was unfazed by the Kims’ emotional actions. “I don’t care what they do,” he said. “I know they’re going to be stronger when they make birdies. They made a lot of birdies. They got in front of the home crowd. That’s great for golf. We just made more birdies.” The Americans, who boast 12 of the world’s top 25 golfers, are 12-1-1 in the all-time rivalry. Down 11-7, the Internationals need 8.5 points from 12 singles matches on Sunday to avoid a 10th straight defeat, their only win since 1998 at Royal Melbourne.
