Korean Tour money leader suspended for three years for obscene gesture
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South Korean golfer Bio Kim has been given a three-year suspension from the Korea Professional Golfers’ Association (KPGA’s) for making an obscene gesture
Bio Kim, who was the leader of the Korean Tour’s money list this season, reacted angrily to a noise made by a phone camera that affected his tee shot on the 16th hole on Sunday at the DGB Financial Group Volvik Daegu Gyeongbuk Open.
After being put off by the noise the 29-year-old turned to the crowd and lifted his middle finger up in frustration to the crowd, before slamming his club on the ground.
He went on to win the event to become the first multiple winner of 2019, but despite apologising after his round, his joy was short-lived.
Watch the video of the incident below.
According to the AFP, Kim kneeled in front of television cameras on Tuesday as he apologised again following an emergency meeting with the KPGA, but that act of retribution wasn’t enough to save him from suspension.
They soon emerged, announcing that they had unanimously voted to ban Kim for three years from their Tour for damaging the ‘dignity of a golfer with etiquette violation’, and also fined him 10 million won – the equivalent of £6,796.
“Kim Bi-o damaged the dignity of a golfer with etiquette violation and inappropriate behaviour,” the statement said.
Prior to his suspension, Kim was leading the Korean Tour Money List. He is currently ranked 302nd in the World, and has six professional wins to his name.
