Golf star offers bizarre explanation in apology for locker room incident after heartbreaking playoff loss
A heartbreaking missed putt pushed Korean star Tom Kim over the edge as he missed out on winning an event in his home nation.
Kim was locked in a battle with countryman An Byeong-Hun in the final round of the Genesis Championship but had a chance to wrap things up on the par-five 18th.
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An had already finished his round with a score of 17-under and had to hope Kim, who was on the same score but had the chance to putt for a birdie, would miss and ultimately force a playoff.
As for Kim, he simply had to make the putt from a few feet away to secure his first win of 2024.
The 22-year-old's putt looked perfect, only for it to lip out as the ball stopped just inches away from the hole.
Kim even thought he had nailed his putt as he slightly strutted away from the hole.
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But once he realised he had missed, Kim flipped his putter up in the air and put his hands to his mouth in sheer disbelief.
Kim made no mistake with his putt for par as the event would be decided by a playoff.
The pair returned to the start of the 18th for the playoff hole but it was An who showed immense composure under pressure to card a birdie.
As for Kim, he could only muster a bogey as An celebrated his first win in nine years.
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Kim congratulated his 2024 Olympics teammate on the triumph, but a photo soon surfaced that proved the 22-year-old was irate with the loss.
According to local outlet Kim had torn the door to his locker at the Jack Nickalus Golf Club off its hinges.
As well as the picture of his damaged locker, the publication also claimed the KPGA was exploring the possibility of further disciplinary action against Kim.
Kim quickly issued an apology via a statement on Instagram, but claimed he had to take the locker door off 'due to safety reasons'.
The 22-year-old also refuted claims about potential further punishment and declared the matter 'closed'.
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"After the loss I was frustrated, yes absolutely," Kim said.
"But I can assure you with absolute truth that I had no intent of damaging any part of the locker not a single bit.
"I addressed it with the DP world tour and the KPGA right after the incident saying that the door came off. We had to fully pull it out due to safety reasons, I also let them know that I was willing to pay all expenses for the damage.
"There has also been speculation about disciplinary action. I spoke to the Tour immediately after the incident. After my apology and offer to pay damages the matter was considered closed."
Kim's heartbreak in Incheon was his second playoff defeat this season having lost to Scottie Scheffler in June at the Travelers Championship.