PGA Tour golfer told his behaviour ‘disgusting’ at FedEx St. Jude Championship

Tom Kim Faces Backlash After Damaging Green During FedEx St. Jude Championship

PGA Tour golfer Tom Kim found himself in hot water on Sunday evening during the final round of the FedEx St. Jude Championship. The young golfer’s actions sparked outrage among golf fans, who took to social media to express their frustration and disappointment.

The incident occurred at TPC Southwind, where Kim, visibly frustrated after missing a short birdie putt, lashed out and caused a noticeable dent on one of the greens. This act, during the first of three critical playoff events on the PGA Tour, quickly became a focal point of controversy. The FedEx St. Jude Championship is a pivotal tournament, as only the top 50 players in the standings move on to the BMW Championship, with the top 30 advancing to the Tour Championship. For players on the bubble, like Kim, the pressure is immense, which perhaps explains his outburst, though it does not excuse it.

Kim started the day in a strong position, playing the first 15 holes without a bogey and sitting at 4-under. However, his game unraveled in dramatic fashion as he closed with a bogey and two double bogeys, ending his round on a sour note. The turning point came at the 12th hole, where Kim, after missing a short birdie putt, took his frustration out on the green, leaving a visible mark. To make matters worse, reports suggest that Kim walked off without repairing the damage, although this claim remains unconfirmed.

The visual evidence of Kim’s actions was enough to ignite a firestorm on social media, particularly on Golf Twitter, where fans were quick to criticize him. The reactions were overwhelmingly negative, with many fans expressing their disappointment in no uncertain terms. Comments ranged from “Truly disgusting” to “Karma. He finished 6-6-6 and will likely miss out now.” Some even suggested that Kim should face more severe consequences, with one commenter stating, “Make him start his military service early,” and another adding, “Do that and you’re done. Go home.”

The sentiment was clear: golf is a sport built on tradition and etiquette, and Kim’s behavior was seen as a significant breach of these unwritten rules. Fans and commentators alike were disappointed, with one person commenting, “Golf is a game of etiquette and you absolutely hate to see that.” Another expressed a more personal disappointment, saying, “I really like Tom Kim, but there’s no place for that.”

The criticism extended beyond just the fans, with some calling for disciplinary action against Kim. Suggestions ranged from disqualification to a fine and a suspension, with one fan arguing that “professionals need to start behaving like, well, professionals.” The concern was not just about the breach of etiquette but also the potential impact on other players, as the damage to the green could affect those playing behind him.

Kim’s actions overshadowed what could have been a competitive and thrilling end to the tournament. Despite his strong start, his frustration got the better of him, leading to an incident that will likely be remembered more than his actual performance on the course.

Interestingly, Kim was not the only player to show signs of frustration during the tournament. World number one Scottie Scheffler also had a rare outburst, although the details of his incident were not as widely discussed or scrutinized.

In the world of professional golf, where composure and respect for the game are paramount, Kim’s lapse in judgment has not only impacted his standing in the tournament but also his reputation among fans and fellow players. It remains to be seen whether any official action will be taken, but the incident has certainly left a lasting impression on what was otherwise an intense and competitive round of golf.