Bio Kim, a 29-year-old professional golfer from South Korea, is fresh off of a win in the Korean Professional Golfers Association, but he won’t be returning to the links anytime soon. Kim, who is the Korean Tour money leader, received a hefty three-year ban from the KPGA after flashing an obscene gesture during a recent tournament.
Along with the three-year suspension, Kim received a fine the equivalent of $8,350.
In the final round of the DGB Financial Group Volvik Daegu Gyeongbuk Open, Kim heard a camera shutter go off during his downswing. That led to Kim losing his temper and turning to the fan who flashed a photo. Kim gave the fan the middle finger before slamming his club into the ground.
That is all that it took to receive a three-year ban.
After winning his second title on tour, Kim apologized for the incident but it was too little, too late.
The penalty seems a bit harsh, right?
“Kim Bi-o damaged the dignity of a golfer with etiquette violation and inappropriate behavior,” the Korea Professional Golfers’ Association said in a statement.
Kim turned pro in 2009 when he was just 19 years old. He briefly played on the PGA Tour and OneAsia Tour, but his greatest success has come on the KPGA. Prior to the incident the final round of the DGB Financial Group Volvik Daegu Gyeongbuk Open, Kim was the tour’s highest earner and points leader for Player of the Year.
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