‘Insanely Disrespectful’: Tom Kim’s Comparison to LIV Golfer & Ryder Cup Legend Enrages Golf World
“Outrage Erupts as Tom Kim’s Presidents Cup Heroics Compared to LIV Golf Star: A Shocking Parallel That Enrages Fans!”
Tom Kim has quickly risen through the ranks of golf, and his recent performances at the Presidents Cup have cemented his reputation as one of the brightest young stars on the international stage. Still, a storm of controversy erupted after a comparison between the 22-year-old South Korean phenom and LIV Golf’s notorious match-play legend, Ian Poulter, which has left the golf world divided. As fans of the Ryder Cup star lash out at the audacity of the comparison, others can’t help but see the striking similarities between Kim’s electric presence and Poulter’s iconic impact on the course.
It all began when esteemed golf journalist Dan Rappaport made a bold declaration on social media that sent shockwaves through the golf community. After witnessing Tom Kim’s incredible play alongside his partner, Si Woo Kim, during the Presidents Cup, Rappaport tweeted, “Tom Kim at the Presidents Cup has officially entered Ian Poulter territory.” The message was clear—Rappaport believed that Kim, like Poulter, had the potential to deliver in high-pressure moments and captivate fans with his match-play prowess.
Tom Kim’s rise in the tournament had been nothing short of thrilling. His performances over two intense days saw him go toe-to-toe with some of the world’s top golfers, including Scottie Scheffler, Russell Henley, Keegan Bradley, and Wyndham Clark. In a particularly gripping match, Kim and his partner handed Scheffler and Henley a shocking defeat, leaving the golf world buzzing with excitement. Though he and Si Woo Kim eventually lost to Xander Schauffele and Patrick Cantlay, Tom Kim’s aggressive playstyle and charisma left an indelible mark on the competition.
Kim’s ability to ignite the crowd, pump up his team, and face down world-class opponents drew inevitable comparisons to Ian Poulter, a man who has made a name for himself by dominating the Ryder Cup and embracing his role as golf’s ultimate villain. Poulter, famously known as ‘The Postman,’ always delivered when it mattered most—rallying Europe to victory after victory. But while Rappaport’s comparison was meant as a compliment, not everyone in the golf world appreciated the link between Kim and the Ryder Cup legend.
“The Backlash Begins: ‘Disrespectful’ or Deserved? Golf Fans Take Sides”
Almost immediately, the golf community erupted with responses, with many claiming that comparing a rising star like Tom Kim to a seasoned icon like Poulter was premature at best—and downright disrespectful at worst. One of the first responses to Rappaport’s tweet read, “I can’t believe I’m going to say this but that is insanely disrespectful to Ian Poulter.” The sentiment was echoed by many who felt that Poulter, with his legendary Ryder Cup performances and long list of achievements, should not be so easily compared to a golfer still making his way in the professional ranks.
Ian Poulter’s resume speaks for itself: seven Ryder Cup appearances, with six wins, and a reputation as one of the most clutch players in match play history. He has earned his place in golf folklore with moments like the 2010 Ryder Cup, when, with supreme confidence, he declared before the final day’s matches that he would secure a point for Europe against Matt Kuchar—a bold statement he made good on, propelling his team to a stunning victory. Poulter has also racked up three PGA Tour wins and 12 international victories over the course of his storied career.
In contrast, while Tom Kim has been sensational in the Presidents Cup, many fans argue that he still has a long way to go before he can be mentioned in the same breath as Poulter. Though Kim has already claimed three PGA Tour victories and seven international wins by the age of 22, the consensus among detractors is that he has not yet delivered the kind of legendary performances Poulter has in his career.
One fan’s response summed up the frustration many felt: “Ian Poulter is the greatest golfer to have ever graced this earth. Do not disrespect him.” While this declaration was certainly an exaggeration, it reflected the deep admiration Poulter has earned over decades of elite match play. Another critic took a direct shot at Rappaport’s tweet, writing, “The mailman always delivers unlike your tweets,” accidentally mislabeling Poulter as ‘The Mailman’ instead of his correct moniker, ‘The Postman.’
“Does Tom Kim Deserve the Comparison? Golf World Split Over the Verdict”
Despite the backlash, some fans have rallied behind the comparison, seeing in Tom Kim the same fierce competitiveness and crowd-commanding energy that defined Poulter’s Ryder Cup career. The young South Korean’s ability to hold his own against some of the biggest names in American golf, including reigning stars like Scheffler and Schauffele, has sparked a wave of enthusiasm among his growing fanbase. His dynamic personality and penchant for riling up the crowd have also earned him a reputation as a showman—a quality that Poulter embodied during his time in the spotlight.
One supportive commenter noted, “Agreed, and I’m here for it,” backing Rappaport’s claim that Tom Kim’s Presidents Cup performance was reminiscent of Poulter’s legendary match-play run. Kim’s emotional celebrations and fearless shot-making in clutch moments have drawn comparisons to Poulter’s own fiery displays of passion on the course. Yet even those who agree with Rappaport’s assessment are quick to acknowledge that Kim still has plenty to prove before he can fully step into the shoes of the Ryder Cup legend.
As the Presidents Cup heads toward its conclusion, with Team International facing a daunting four-point deficit, all eyes will be on Tom Kim as he prepares for the high-stakes Sunday singles matches. It’s a pivotal moment in the young star’s career—one that could further fuel the debate over his comparison to Poulter, or silence the critics who believe he’s still too young to warrant such lofty praise.
Whether or not Tom Kim’s career will ultimately rival Ian Poulter’s is a question only time can answer. But one thing is certain: in the span of just a few short days, Kim has firmly established himself as a future star, captivating fans and proving that he is more than capable of thriving on golf’s biggest stages. The Presidents Cup may not be the Ryder Cup, but if Tom Kim continues to deliver performances like these, the golf world will undoubtedly be watching closely as his journey unfolds.