Scottie Scheffler called it back in May. The world No. 1 predicted that Tom Kim would win again soon on the PGA Tour. Now, after Kim's victory at the Travelers Championship in late June, that prediction looks remarkably sharp.

Scheffler made the comment during a press conference at the PGA Championship. He said Kim had the game and the mentality to contend regularly. At the time, Kim had just finished tied for 24th at the Masters.

What did Scottie Scheffler say about Tom Kim?

Scheffler praised Kim's attitude and skill. He said the young South Korean had a "great head on his shoulders" and would "win a lot of tournaments." The quote came on 18 May, during the buildup to the PGA Championship at Valhalla.

Kim was 21 then. He already had three PGA Tour wins, including two in the 2022-23 season. But he had gone quiet in early 2024. Scheffler saw that as temporary.

How did Tom Kim prove Scheffler right?

Kim won the Travelers Championship on 23 June. He shot a final-round 65 to beat Scottie Scheffler himself by one shot. That's the part that makes the prediction sting — and impress.

Scheffler finished second that week. He had a chance to force a playoff but missed a birdie putt on 18. Kim walked away with the trophy and a handshake from the man who saw it coming.

Why this matters for Scottie Scheffler

Scheffler's prediction shows he reads the game well. He's not just a machine with a golf club. He watches his peers and knows who's rising. That insight matters for a player who spends most weeks at the top of the leaderboard.

But it also means Scheffler now has another rival who believes he can beat him. Kim won't fear the world No. 1. He already did it once. That could make future matchups between them more intense.

What comes next for Scheffler and Kim?

The PGA Tour heads to the Open Championship next month. Scheffler is the betting favorite. Kim is now a legitimate threat after his Travelers win. Their rivalry could become one of the best storylines of the summer.

Scheffler will tee it up at Royal Troon starting 18 July. Kim will be right there with him. The prediction from May will follow both of them onto the course.

Scheffler said it first. Now Kim has to prove it wasn't a fluke. And Scheffler has to show he can still beat the guy he called a future star.