Korean golfer Tom Kim sorry for damaging locker after playoff loss

South Korean golfer Tom Kim issued an apology on Tuesday after an incident that followed his close call at the Genesis Championship, a DP World Tour event held at the Jack Nicklaus Golf Club in Incheon, near Seoul. The 21-year-old, currently ranked number 25 in the world, narrowly missed an eight-foot putt on the final hole, costing him a chance at victory in his home country on Sunday.

Reflecting his frustration after the intense competition, Kim reportedly damaged a locker. He later explained that the locker door had actually come off, adding that the situation required the door to be fully removed for safety reasons. Immediately after the incident, Kim informed both the DP World Tour and the Korean Professional Golf Association (KPGA), taking full responsibility for his actions.

“I addressed it with the DP World Tour and the KPGA right after the incident, explaining that the door came off,” Kim said. “For safety, we had to completely remove it. I also let them know that I was willing to cover all expenses for the repair.”

South Korean news agency Yonhap reported that the KPGA might consider disciplinary action in light of the incident. However, according to Kim, the matter was essentially resolved after his apology and offer to pay for the damages.

“After my apology and offer to pay for the damage, the matter was considered closed,” Kim stated. He also took a moment to address his fans, expressing his gratitude to those who had offered him support and issuing a heartfelt apology for any disappointment he may have caused.

“I am grateful to everyone who reached out with messages of support,” Kim said, “but to them and anyone else I may have let down, I apologise with all my heart.”