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BSP-13
KOR-OFFBEAT-GOLF
South Korean golfer gets three-year ban for middle finger gesture
SEOUL, Oct 1, 2019 (BSS/AFP) – A South Korean golfer has been suspended
for three years for sticking up his middle finger at the crowd over a
cellphone camera noise, the Korea Professional Golfers’ Association (KPGA)
said Tuesday.
Kim Bi-o reacted angrily after he was startled by the shutter sound of a
smartphone camera which affected his shot at the 16th hole at Sunday’s DGB
Financial Group Volvik Daegu Gyeongbuk Open.
Kim, who leading by a stroke at the time, turned to the crowd and made the
gesture before slamming his club on the ground in frustration.
The 29-year-old went on to win the tournament — becoming the first two-
time winner on the tour in 2019 — and later apologised for losing his
temper.
On Tuesday, Kim kneeled in front of television cameras as he fought back
tears and apologised again after attending an emergency KPGA meeting over his
action.
But the KPGA later said it had reached a unanimous decision to suspend the
golfer for three years from the Korean tour with a fine of 10 million won
(US$8,350).
“Kim Bi-o damaged the dignity of a golfer with etiquette violation and
inappropriate behaviour,” it said in a statement.
Kim leads the tour in money and Player of the Year points, but the
suspension means he will not be able to finish the season.
Kim, who has six professional wins to his name, played on the US PGA Tour
in 2011 after earning his place via Q-SChool. He also had two seasons on the
second-tier Web.com tour.
BSS/AFP/BZC/1305HRS