Tom Kim apologises after criticism from golf fans for breaking unwritten PGA Tour rule
Tom Kim has issued an apology after the PGA Tour star was criticized for hitting his putter into a green during the final round of the FedEx St. Jude Championship on Sunday
![Tom Kim apologises after criticism from golf fans for breaking unwritten PGA Tour rule](https://europe.easybranches.com/uploads/news/2024/08/6708363.jpg)
PGA Tour sensation Tom Kim has issued an apology after facing backlash for damaging a green during the FedEx St. Jude Championship's final round on Sunday.
Footage emerged of Kim taking a chunk out of the TPC Southwind's 12th hole putting surface, following a missed birdie attempt in Memphis. The clip quickly went viral, sparking debate among fans and critics alike.
Addressing the furore on Instagram, Kim said: "Hi everyone, it's been brought to my attention about my frustration shown yesterday on the 12th green. I will never lie to my peers and fans because I have too much respect and gratitude towards them.
"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, 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."
His conduct on the course has been hotly debated online, with some golf enthusiasts suggesting that the young pro should face penalties for his actions.
Kim's season took a disastrous turn over the course of three holes, marking the beginning of the end for him. While playing to secure a spot in the second FedEx Cup playoff at Castle Pines Golf Club, Kim's season fell apart at the 16th on Sunday, ending his round - and season - with a bogey, double bogey, double bogey.
![](https://i2-prod.mirror.co.uk/sport/article33499913.ece/ALTERNATES/s615b/2_gettyimages-2166466099.jpg)
Before the unfortunate turn of events, the young golfer was performing well, standing four-under-par through 15 holes, without a single bogey until his first slip-up. Even after missing a putt at the 12th, a determined Kim managed to score a birdie a hole later, only for things to go downhill three holes afterwards.
Despite having scored birdies on the par-five 16th twice in his previous three rounds, the South Korean found himself in bunker trouble on Sunday, resulting in a bogey, six. A visibly frustrated Kim then proceeded to the penultimate hole, where his situation quickly deteriorated.
Even though he found the fairway, inaccurate approaches and a three-putt led him to make a double bogey, followed by another one hole later, leaving him tied for 50th at one-under for the week. Unfortunately for Kim, this marked the end of his campaign, as he missed out on one of the 50 spots available at the BMW Championship.