Tom Kim apologizes for the damage to the 12th green at TPC Southwind: “I was clearly wrong”

Tom Kim has issued a public apology after his actions during the final round of the FedEx St. Jude Championship at TPC Southwind sparked controversy. On Sunday, August 18, Kim vented his frustration after missing a short putt on the 12th hole, resulting in significant damage to the green.

This incident, which Kim initially failed to acknowledge, has drawn considerable backlash from the golf community, leading to calls for disciplinary action against the player.

In golf, one of the most crucial unwritten rules is the respect for the course, particularly the greens, which are sacred ground for any player. Damaging the green is seen as a cardinal sin, as it affects the playability of the surface for everyone who follows. Tom Kim’s actions were not only against this tradition but also left an indelible mark on his reputation, as he initially failed to repair the damage or acknowledge his mistake. 

Tom Kim’s Apology and the Aftermath

The controversy surrounding Tom Kim reached a peak on Monday, August 19, when he took to Instagram to issue a formal apology. In his statement, Kim expressed regret over his actions on the 12th green and claimed he was unaware of the severity of the damage he had caused.

He wrote:

“Hi everyone, it’s been brought to my attention about my frustration shown yesterday on the 12th green. I wasn’t aware that I had made that big of a damage on the green because if I did I would’ve never just left without repairing it, but I was clearly wrong and will take full responsibility for my actions and will be better going forward.”

Kim’s apology continued as he acknowledged the tough year he’s had, thanking fans for their support:

“Thank you and I apologize again and thank you for your support throughout a tough year.”

This acknowledgment of his frustrations and the difficult season he’s experienced added a human element to the incident, though it didn’t excuse his behavior on the course.

The incident occurred during a high-pressure situation, with Tom Kim sitting safely within the top-50 of the FedEx Cup standings at the time. However, his final round at TPC Southwind took a dramatic turn for the worse after the incident on the 12th hole.

Tom Kim, who was 4-under for the day, finished bogey-double bogey-double bogey, causing him to drop out of the top 50 and miss qualifying for the BMW Championship, the next event in the FedEx Cup playoffs.

The damage to the green at TPC Southwind wasn’t just a physical scar but also a mark on Tom Kim’s previously likable public persona. The golf community, known for its emphasis on etiquette and respect for the course, did not take kindly to Kim’s outburst. Fans and commentators on social media expressed their disappointment, with some calling for the PGA Tour to issue a suspension or fine.

One of the most criticized aspects of the incident was Kim’s initial failure to repair the damage. Reports surfaced that it was his caddie, Paul Tesori, who eventually went back to fix the green, but by then, the damage to Kim’s reputation had been done.

The video of the incident quickly went viral, with many viewers expressing their disapproval of his behavior.

One fan commented: “Golf is a game of etiquette, and you absolutely hate to see that,” while another wrote: “I really like Tom Kim, but there’s no place for that.”

Despite the backlash, Tom Kim’s apology has been received with mixed reactions. While some fans appreciated his honesty and willingness to take responsibility, others felt that his actions warranted a more significant consequence, especially given the impact on the course and the other players.

This incident at the FedEx St. Jude Championship adds to what has been a challenging season for Tom Kim. The 22-year-old, who burst onto the PGA Tour scene with high expectations, has struggled to find consistent form this year.

In 23 starts, Kim has only managed two top-10 finishes, a stark contrast to the success he enjoyed in previous seasons. His performance at the FedEx St. Jude Championship was emblematic of his year: a promising start that ultimately unraveled in the final moments.

Kim narrowly missed out on a medal at the Paris Olympics earlier this month, a loss that was particularly tough as it would have exempted him from South Korea’s mandatory military service. This added pressure, combined with his recent on-course struggles, seems to have taken a toll on the young golfer.

While Tom Kim’s talent is undeniable, his recent actions and the subsequent fallout serve as a reminder of the pressures that come with competing at the highest level. As he moves forward, Kim will need to rebuild his reputation and refocus on his game, with the hope of returning to the form that made him one of the most exciting young players on tour.