PGA Tour star breaks unwritten golf rule as chiefs urged to lay down punishment

Aug 21, 2024 09:00

Tom Kim is in hot water after his actions at the latest PGA Tour event (Image: Getty Images)

Golf star Tom Kim has come under fire from fans after he was seen slamming his putter into the green in frustration during the final round of the FedEx St Jude Championship on Sunday.

Despite a promising start, Kim failed to make an impact in the first FedEx Cup playoff event, finishing the week at one-under-par, a full 16 shots behind champion Hideki Matsuyama and tied for 50th place. The South Korean player had shown promise during the final 18 holes at TPC Southwind.

Kim played the first 15 holes on Sunday four-under-par, remaining bogey-free in the early stages and making four birdies, seemingly securing his place in the second playoff at the BMW Championship.

However, a disastrous finish marred the 22 year old's final round card as he made a bogey and two double bogeys in his final three holes, ending with six, six, six. Even before this unfortunate conclusion, Kim let his frustrations show after missing a birdie putt at the par-four 12th.

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After his attempt rolled just past the hole, the South Korean star was seen striking his putter into the ground, creating a small divot in the putting surface just a few feet away from the cup. Kim then tidied up for his par before appearing to leave the green.

The golfing fraternity reacted sharply to Kim's moment of frustration, chastising the young talent on social platforms. After witnessing the scene, one spectator suggested disciplinary action on Twitter: "[He] should be penalized."

Another chimed in with a stern take: "Do that and you're done. Go home," while another added: "Deserves a fine."

A further voice in the crowd said regretfully: "Golf is a game of etiquette hate to see it."

Although Kim did not appear to rectify his mark immediately, there are reports indicating his caddie later remedied the situation. However, Kim did manage to regain his composure, notably carding a birdie at the 13th hole soon after. But, his round and season took a nosedive as trouble struck at the 16th hole, which he had skillfully birdied twice before during the week.

Ending up in the sand trap twice along the 511-yard stretch, the flustered South Korean then two-putted for a six. His aggravation visible, Kim pursued the next challenge at the 17th hole where greater difficulties awaited; despite a good drive, his subsequent plays and a three-putt culminated in the first of two grievous double bogeys.

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The second mishap occurred just minutes later at his final hole of the week. Kim's tee shot was to blame this time, as he unsuccessfully tried to navigate the water hazard on the left.

After a penalty drop, he missed right of the green, followed by a chip and two putts which resulted in a one-over-par 71.

These mistakes towards the end were expensive, causing him to narrowly miss out on one of the 50 spots available at the BMW Championship, the second last event of the PGA Tour season.

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PGA Tour star breaks unwritten golf rule as chiefs urged to lay down punishment