Tom Kim has been issued a warning by the KPGA, after the PGA Tour star caused damage to the Jack Nicklaus Golf Club Korea locker room after last month’s Genesis Championship

Kim was pipped to the post on home turf in agonizing fashion, losing in a playoff to fellow South Korean An Byeong-hun after the duo were neck-and-neck at 17-under-par over four rounds. In the aftermath an image of a damaged locker made its way onto social media, alleged to have suffered at the hands of Kim in the aftermath of his lost.

Almost two week later, a KPGA committee gathered on Wednesday to decide Tom’s fate for the temper flare-up. According to Korea JoonAng Daily, the 22-year-old dodged a harsh punishment, walking away with a warning.

Kim did not shy away from taking accountability for the damage caused at the time, offering to foot the repair bill. In the aftermath debunking rumors that he’d smashed up the place on purpose. “After the loss, I was frustrated, yes absolutely…” he admitted on his social media platforms.

“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 off due to safety reasons, I also let them know that I was willing to pay all expenses for the damage.”

Tom Kim of South Korea reacts to missing his birdie putt on the 18th green on day four of the Genesis Championship 2024

Tom Kim missed out in South Korea

Kim did assert at the time that he would face no disciplinary action after issuing an apology to the KPGA and DP World Tour. “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. I am grateful to everyone that has reached out with messages of support. But to them, and everyone else I may have let down, I apologise with all my heart. Love, Tom.”

Kim has found himself in the midst of controversy quite often in recent times. Apart from his DP World Tour outburst, the youngster also had confrontations with several members of Team USA during the recent Presidents Cup, including Scottie Scheffler, Patrick Cantlay and Xander Schauffele.

Speaking to the press at Royal Montreal Club, Kim criticized his rivals’ sportsmanship during the third day of the event.