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Si Woo Kim eyes Presidents Cup spot after Players Championship win

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The best of the action from a historic final round of The Players Championship at TPC Sawgrass

Si Woo Kim has set his sights on making a Presidents Cup debut this autumn after a career-changing victory at the Players Championship.

The 21-year-old became the youngest winner of golf's unofficial "fifth major", posting a bogey-free 69 on Sunday to finish three strokes clear of Ian Poulter and Louis Oosthuizen.

Kim's victory lifts the Korean to 28th in the world rankings and up to seventh in the qualification standings for this year's Presidents Cup, making will well-placed to make a maiden appearance in the biannual contest.

during the final round of the THE PLAYERS Championship on the Stadium Course at TPC Sawgrass on May 14, 2017 in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida.
Image: Kim was presented with the trophy by last year's winner Jason Day

The top 10 at the end of the PGA Tour season automatically qualify for Nick Price's side, with Kim relishing the prospect of representing the International Team at Liberty National Golf Club.

"I'm very excited to play at the Presidents Cup," Kim said after his victory. "From the beginning of this year, I really wished I could be top 10 so I could get the ticket to get in.

Si Woo Kim of South Korea plays his shot from the 11th tee during the final round of THE PLAYERS Championship
Image: The Korean hadn't posted a top-20 all year before his victory

"I'm very proud that I could join this tournament as the representative of Korea and Asia, and I'm very excited for that tournament.

"I was a little nervous before I played the final round, but I felt my shot feeling was really good and I could just really be myself. That's why I could do well."

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Kim also won last season's Wyndham Championship and becomes only the fourth player in the last 25 years to win multiple PGA Tour tournaments before turning 22, following on from Tiger Woods, Sergio Garcia and Jordan Spieth.

Victory secures him a five-year exemption on the PGA Tour but doesn't prevent him from having to undergo two years compulsory military service at some point - a requirement for all South Korean men aged 18-35.

Si Woo Kim of South Korea celebrates on the 18th green after finishing 10 under to win during the final round of THE PLAYERS Championship
Image: The 21-year-old was two shots off the lead heading in to the final round

"I really wish we could have that benefit," Kim added. "Regardless of me winning this tournament, I really have to go to the military service.

"I've already decided I'm going to go, too, so I'm ready for that. I haven't decided yet (when that will be), but I have five years of exemption so we will see."

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