Following a disappointing playoff loss at the DP World Tour’s Genesis Championship on Sunday, PGA Tour star Tom Kim could face disciplinary action from the Korea Professional Golfers’ Association after venting his frustration by damaging a locker room door. The incident took place at the Jack Nicklaus Golf Club in Incheon, South Korea, and was first reported by South Korea’s JoongAng Daily.
The tense final moments of the tournament saw Kim go head-to-head with fellow South Korean golfer Byeong Hun An on the first playoff hole. Kim, needing to make an 8-foot birdie putt on the par-5 18th hole to extend the playoff, watched in agony as his ball lipped out, leaving An with the victory.
For An, the win was a breakthrough moment, marking his first professional victory in nine years. An had shown remarkable consistency throughout the 2023-24 PGA Tour season, with four top-10 finishes and two top-20s in major championships.
While the moment was celebratory for An, Kim was visibly shaken by the narrow loss. The 21-year-old, known for his competitive spirit, reportedly took out his frustration in the locker room by striking a door, which led to its damage.
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According to Yonhap News, Kim immediately informed the tour about the incident and later issued a public statement on Instagram, expressing regret for his actions.
In his statement, Kim apologized to the tour and confirmed he had offered to cover the cost of the damages.
It remains uncertain whether this gesture of restitution will mitigate any potential disciplinary measures from the Korea Professional Golfers’ Association, but Kim’s proactive response demonstrates a willingness to accept accountability for the outburst.
The loss and ensuing incident have garnered significant attention, as Kim is one of South Korea’s rising golf stars with a strong following both domestically and internationally.
Fans are hopeful that this moment will serve as a learning experience for the young golfer, known for his resilience on the course.
