Tom Kim started his third round at the 2025 AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am with a wild opening tee shot that nearly derailed his hopes of contending for the lead. Despite starting the day four shots behind the leader, Kim was determined to make a move early in the round. However, his tee shot on the first hole, which was intended to be a knockdown shot with a fairway wood, ended up flying extremely low and short, surprising both spectators and analysts alike.
The Golf Channel analysts were quick to comment on Kim’s unusual tee shot, dubbing it a “semi-shank” and noting that it was not what he had envisioned. Despite the mishap, Kim managed to salvage the hole with a miraculous birdie after making a high-lofted wedge shot from the rough onto the green that tracked directly to the hole and dropped in.
Kim’s unexpected birdie on the first hole set the stage for a strong performance in the third round, as he finished the day at 14 under par, two shots behind the leader, Sepp Straka. His ability to recover from a challenging start and stay focused on his game demonstrated his resilience and determination to compete at the highest level of professional golf.
The AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am is known for its challenging course conditions and picturesque views along the California coast, making it a favorite stop on the PGA Tour for players and fans alike. The unique combination of six par-5s and six par-4s at Pebble Beach provides a variety of shot-making opportunities for players to navigate throughout the tournament.
As Kim continues to vie for the lead in the final round of the Pro-Am, he will need to rely on his consistent ball-striking and short game prowess to contend with the competition. With players like Straka in the mix, Kim will have to stay focused and execute his game plan effectively to secure a chance at victory on the iconic Pebble Beach course.
The pressure of competing in a high-stakes tournament like the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am can be intense, but Kim’s ability to stay composed and bounce back from adversity has shown his mental toughness as a professional golfer. His remarkable recovery on the first hole of the third round is a testament to his skill and composure under pressure.
As the final round of the 2025 AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am unfolds, all eyes will be on Kim and the other contenders as they vie for the championship title. Whether Kim can maintain his momentum and capitalize on his strong play from the previous rounds remains to be seen, but one thing is certain – the excitement and drama of professional golf at Pebble Beach will continue to captivate audiences around the world.
