Tom Kim Apologizes for Locker Damage After Genesis Championship Playoff Loss!

Following a dramatic playoff defeat to Ben An at the Genesis Championship in South Korea, Tom Kim has found himself at the center of a locker-room controversy. The young South Korean golfer took to social media on Monday to clarify reports that he had damaged his locker after the disappointing loss.

In the tournament, Tom Kim narrowly missed a victory after lipping out a crucial putt on the final hole, then bogeyed on the first extra hole, handing An the win. The day after the loss, a photo surfaced online showing Kim’s locker door removed. Kim later confirmed to South Korean newspaper Sports Donga that he was responsible for the locker door damage, though he clarified it was an unintended accident. “I can assure you with absolute truth that I had no intent of damaging any part of the locker, not a single bit,” he posted on Instagram. According to Kim, the door was taken off for safety reasons, not due to any malicious act.

Tom Kim Addresses Reports Amid KPGA’s Response

The KPGA is reportedly making Kim pay for the locker damage and is also considering potential disciplinary measures. Kim, however, assured fans that he was informed the incident had been “considered closed” by the organization. “I’ll cover any damages necessary,” he stated, adding that he wanted to set the record straight amid what he called “false reporting” in some outlets.

This locker-room incident is not Kim’s first time in the spotlight for on-course frustrations. Just three months earlier, he issued an apology for damaging a green during the FedExCup playoffs, and last year, he was involved in on-course disputes at the Presidents Cup. Despite these incidents, the three-time Tour winner has remained a formidable competitor, becoming the first player since Tiger Woods to achieve two PGA Tour wins before age 21.

As Tom Kim aims to put these incidents behind him, his focus will be on learning from these experiences and growing as one of golf’s young stars.