Tom Kim issues apology after criticism from golf fans for breaking unwritten PGA Tour rule

Tom Kim Apologizes After Criticism for Damaging Green at FedEx St. Jude Championship

PGA Tour rising star Tom Kim has issued a public apology after facing widespread criticism for damaging a green during the final round of the FedEx St. Jude Championship on Sunday. The incident, which took place at TPC Southwind’s 12th hole in Memphis, has sparked a heated debate among golf fans and commentators alike.

The controversy began when footage surfaced showing Kim striking his putter into the green in frustration after missing a birdie putt. The impact left a noticeable mark on the putting surface, and the video quickly went viral, drawing sharp criticism from various quarters.

Kim addressed the situation on Instagram, expressing regret for his actions. “Hi everyone, it’s been brought to my attention about my frustration shown yesterday on the 12th green,” Kim wrote. “I will never lie to my peers and fans because I have too much respect and gratitude towards them.”

Kim explained that he was unaware of the extent of the damage he had caused at the time. “I wasn’t aware that I had made that big of a damage on the green cause if I had I would’ve never just left without repairing it,” he continued. “But I was clearly wrong and will take full responsibility of my actions and will be better going forward. Thank you and I apologize again and thank you for your support throughout a tough year.”

The young golfer’s conduct has been a hot topic of discussion online, with many in the golf community calling for potential penalties. Some believe Kim’s actions warrant disciplinary measures, while others have expressed understanding, given the pressures of professional competition.

Kim’s difficult day on the course was compounded by a series of unfortunate events that led to the abrupt end of his season. Playing to secure a spot in the second FedEx Cup playoff at Castle Pines Golf Club, Kim’s performance unraveled over the final three holes on Sunday. Despite a strong start, which saw him four-under-par through 15 holes without a single bogey, his round took a disastrous turn.

After his missed putt at the 12th, Kim managed to bounce back with a birdie on the following hole. However, his momentum was short-lived. At the par-five 16th, a hole where he had previously found success, Kim found himself in trouble in a bunker, leading to a bogey, six.

Visibly frustrated, Kim proceeded to the penultimate hole, where his challenges intensified. Despite finding the fairway, inaccurate approach shots and a three-putt resulted in a double bogey. His struggles continued on the final hole, where he carded another double bogey, leaving him tied for 50th place at one-under for the week.

Unfortunately for Kim, these late missteps meant he missed out on one of the 50 spots available for the upcoming BMW Championship, bringing his season to a premature close. Despite the setback, Kim’s talent and determination suggest that he will learn from this experience and return stronger in the future.