“This is so unfair, and today I am the victim!”
La Quinta, California, January 25, 2026 – The American Express 2026, the PGA Tour’s traditional season-opener in the Coachella Valley, was supposed to be a showcase of Scottie Scheffler’s dominance as the World No. 1 kicked off his year with a statement victory. Instead, the tournament ended in controversy when runner-up Si Woo Kim unleashed a stunning outburst in the post-round press conference, accusing Scheffler of deliberate foul play in a rare physical confrontation that, according to Kim, went unpunished due to biased officiating.
Scheffler had just closed out a commanding four-shot win over Kim and the field, carding a flawless final round to secure his 20th PGA Tour title and surpass $100 million in career earnings—a milestone only previously achieved by Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy at such a pace. Playing alongside Kim in the final group on the Pete Dye Stadium Course at PGA West, Scheffler overcame an early bogey and then birdied relentlessly, turning what could have been a tight battle into a romp.
Kim, who held the 54-hole lead at -22 after a strong third-round 66 at La Quinta Country Club, fought valiantly but couldn’t match Scheffler’s precision under pressure, finishing tied for second or in the chase group.
But the real drama unfolded off the course. Minutes after shaking hands on the 18th green—where both players had appeared cordial—Kim stormed into the media tent and dropped what many called a “bombshell.” Visibly agitated, he declared: “This is so unfair, and today I am the victim!” He went on to accuse Scheffler of intentionally using his elbow to strike him in the back during a scramble near the green on the par-4 12th hole, a moment when both were attempting to chip from similar positions after errant approaches.
According to Kim, the incident occurred as Scheffler moved past him in the scramble area: “Scheffler’s right elbow lifted up and deliberately hit me directly in the lower back. It was painful—I felt it immediately—but the rules officials and walking referee were right there and did nothing. They were biased toward the No. 1 player.” To back his claim, Kim released slow-motion video footage from the tournament broadcast (captured by multiple angles, including the on-course camera and spectator phones), which he said clearly showed Scheffler’s arm extending and making contact.
“Look at this,” he said, pointing to his phone screen during the presser. “It’s not accidental. He knew exactly what he was doing.”
The accusation sent shockwaves through the golf world. Physical contact in golf is exceedingly rare and almost always unintentional—golf’s Rules of Golf (administered by the USGA and R&A, enforced by PGA Tour officials) emphasize etiquette, integrity, and self-policing. Intentional interference or causing harm could theoretically result in disqualification under Rule 1.2a (serious breach of conduct) or even further sanctions, but such cases are virtually nonexistent in modern professional play.
Scheffler, addressing the media shortly after in a separate session, responded with characteristic calm and respect. “I have the utmost respect for Si Woo—he’s a great player and a great guy. I don’t recall any intentional contact; if there was any bump, it was completely accidental in the heat of the moment while we were both focused on our shots. I’m happy to review any video with the officials if needed, but I play the game cleanly and always have.” His measured denial only seemed to fuel Kim’s frustration.
In follow-up social media posts and a brief statement to reporters outside the tent, Kim reportedly “screamed” in anger (as described by one eyewitness): “How can they ignore this? The video is clear! PGA Tour protects their stars, and today I paid the price.”
The PGA Tour responded swiftly but decisively. Within hours, the Tour’s rules committee reviewed the incident using high-definition broadcast feeds, ShotLink data, and additional angles. Their official statement read: “After thorough review, no violation of the Rules of Golf was found. The contact, if any, was incidental and not deemed intentional or worthy of penalty.
The PGA Tour upholds the highest standards of conduct and integrity, and we encourage players to address concerns through official channels.” No fine or sanction was issued against Scheffler, but sources indicated Kim received a warning (and possibly a small fine) for public comments that could be seen as undermining the officials without sufficient evidence.
The fallout was immediate and divisive. Social media exploded with #ElbowGate trending, fans split between those defending Kim’s right to speak out (“If video shows it, investigate!”) and those siding with Scheffler (“Golf isn’t football—accidents happen, and Kim’s just salty after losing”). Commentators on Golf Channel and ESPN debated the rarity of such claims: “This isn’t basketball or hockey,” one analyst noted. “Physical altercations don’t happen in golf.
If it was deliberate, it’s unprecedented.” Others pointed out that scramble situations near greens can get crowded, especially with caddies, players, and officials milling about, but intentional elbowing would be a career-damaging scandal.
For Scheffler, the win remained a triumph: his second American Express title, a flawless display of ball-striking, and a perfect start to 2026 amid ongoing comparisons to Tiger Woods. He dedicated the victory to his family and team, avoiding any direct escalation. Kim, meanwhile, left the desert with mixed emotions—praise for his strong play throughout the week but criticism for the outburst. “I stand by what I said,” he posted later on Instagram. “The game needs fairness for everyone, not just the top guys.”
In the end, The American Express 2026 will be remembered not just for Scheffler’s historic milestone but for a bizarre, almost surreal controversy that highlighted golf’s delicate balance between competition and civility. As the Tour moves to the next event, one thing is clear: in a sport built on honor, even the whisper of foul play can echo louder than any birdie putt.
