Tom Kim ties for third on first day of men's golf in Paris

Korea’s Tom Kim finished the first day of men’s golf at the 2024 Paris Olympics tied for third on Thursday, recording a five-under, 66, at Le Golf National outside Paris.

Korea's Tom Kim looks at the lie of his putt on the 5th green during the first round of the men's golf event at the Paris Olympics at Le Golf National in Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines, France on Thursday. [AP/YONHAP]

Korea’s Tom Kim finished the first day of men’s golf at the 2024 Paris Olympics tied for third on Thursday, recording a five-under, 66, at Le Golf National outside Paris.

Kim sits three strokes behind leader Hideki Matsuyama of Japan, with PGA heavyweight Xander Schauffele of the United States in second on six under.

Kim, 22, is tied with Joaquin Niemann of Chile and Emiliano Grillo of Argentina.

Compatriot An Byeong-hun trails in 48th after a far more difficult day, with a plus-one, 72, on the par-71 course.

Golf at the Paris Olympics is played in a regular stroke play format over four rounds, but without a cut after the second round. The men’s tournament will end on Sunday, with the women’s tournament — where Korea is represented by Ko Jin-young, Kim Hyo-joo and Yang Hee-young — tees off on Aug. 7.

BY JIM BULLEY [jim.bulley@joongang.co.kr]