A year later, however, the AT&T National remains Kim’s last PGA Tour win. What happened to the player who eagerly embraced his identity as America’s next great golfer?

“This year has been very frustrating to say the least,” said Kim, 24. “I was definitely looking for far bigger and better things.”

This week at Congressional Country Club, the defending champion looks to find his groove in the third annual AT&T National.

Kim closed 2008 with a stirring performance at the Ryder Cup, then finished third in his last two PGA Tour events. But after starting this year as runner-up at the Mercedes-Benz, Kim fell into a serious slump. In 10 events, Kim missed three cuts and failed to finish in the top 15.

Kim is putting (1.73 per hole) even better than last year, ranking No. 18 on tour, and ranks No. 3 in birdies with one for every 4.24 holes. But Kim also makes too many bogeys, largely due to his erratic driver (50 percent/No. 185) and his go-for-broke mentality.

“I’m trying to find the balance where I’m firing at less pins,” said Kim. “It’s been very draining to make quite a few birdies and not see the 65, 64s that I’d like to see out of my round.”

Physical problems have also contributed to Kim’s swoon. Over the last seven months he has had to withdraw from tournaments for reasons ranging from shoulder and ankle injuries to the flu.

“There’s been one thing after another, but that’s not the reason I’m not scoring well,” said Kim. “I’m just not as patient as I need to be on the golf course.”

Kim has been hampered by a sore thumb, but after proclaiming himself healthy before the U.S. Open, he had his best finish (T16) in six months, followed by another solid showing this weekend at the Travelers (T11).

“It’s a long year. I’m getting back into good shape,” said Kim. “If I come out and peel off some wins, it will be another great year.”

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