Korean golfer suspended for 3 years after flipping fan the middle finger

Korean golfer Bio Kim has been suspended for three years by the Korean Professional Golfers Association after making an obscene gesture to a fan in the gallery

Here is one remarkable story.

Former PGA Tour player Bio Kim has been suspended from playing on the Korean Golf Tour after members of the Korean Professional Golfers Association voted unanimously to ban him for three years.

The reason? Giving a fan the finger after a picture was taken in the middle of his swing.

The incident occurred when Kim was playing in the final round of the DGB Financial Group Volvik Daegu Gyeongbuk Open on the Korean Tour.

In Korea, the sound of the camera clicking on mobile phones is compulsory and against the law if not enabled.

The sound of a camera phone shutter went off in the middle of Kim’s backswing and he slammed down his driver and flipped the golf fan the middle finger.

Here it is:

Kim went on to win the tournament but was hauled before the media to apologise (see below) before being handed his three-year suspension and a fine of around US$8,350.

“Kim Bi-o damaged the dignity of a golfer with etiquette violation and inappropriate behavior,” the Korean Tour said in an official statement.

No word yet on whether Kim can play on any other professional tours.

It all seems very harsh compared to the slap on the wrist several other players have received for poor etiquette across other world tours.