Kim Si-woo keen to return to winning ways at Sony Open in Hawaii

Kim Si-woo plays his shot from the ninth tee during the third round of the Shriners Children's Open at TPC Summerlin in Las Vegas, Nevada on Oct. 08, 2022. [AFP/YONHAP]

Kim Si-woo is bent on returning to the winner’s circle on the PGA Tour this year and believes his recent marriage to Oh Ji-hyun, a KLPGA golfer, will set him back on the right track.

The 27-year-old Kim, who is a three-time champion, was winless in 2022 although he starred in the Presidents Cup for the International Team in the loss to the United States last September where he secured three points, including a thrilling 1-up win over Justin Thomas in the singles.

Kim tied the knot with Oh in Seoul last month and believes his wife’s support will help get him back to winning ways.

“I didn’t have a win last season since my victory at The American Express in 2021," Kim said. "As it is a new year, I want to win and if I could have that chance early in the year like in 2021, I hope to have multiple wins this year."

He will make his sixth appearance at Waialae Country Club in Honolulu, with a solo fourth place finish in 2016 being his best performance. Other Koreans in the field this week include Kim Joo-hyun, who finished top-5 in the Sentry Tournament of Champions last week, Lee Kyoung-hoon, Im Sung-jae, An Byeong-hun and Kim Seong-hyeon, the 2022 Rookie of the Year on the Korn Ferry Tour.

Kim Si-woo revealed that he had never felt as nervous as he did on his wedding day.

“I was worrying so much during the preparation for the wedding and also on the wedding day. I was more nervous than in a competition,” said Kim. “It was the one and only wedding in my life, so I was a little more nervous and nervous not to make any mistakes. I married the person I love and care about the most, and I hope it will make me more responsible.”

With Oh having been through the grind in professional golf, Kim feels his wife’s own sporting experience in dealing with pressure will help him.

“I don't think we talk more about golf," he said. "Because we are always focused on golf while we are out, we just want to focus on ourselves. But we can understand each other by knowing what part of stress and pressure are, and what parts to respect each other well. I think it's comfortable because we understand each other when it comes to golf."

BY CHUAH CHOO CHIANG [kjdsports@joongang.co.kr]