[Golf Topic] "Disciplinary Action Lifted" Kim Bi-o "I Will Show a Mature Side"

[Asia Economy Kim Hyun-jun, Golf Specialist Reporter] ○... "I sincerely apologize."

Kim Bi-o (30, photo) met with reporters on the 20th after finishing a practice round at Elysian Gangchon Golf Club in Chuncheon, Gangwon Province, a day before the GS Caltex Maekyung Open (total prize money 1 billion KRW) began, saying, "I have deeply reflected for 327 days," and expressed his apology to fans, adding, "I will show a more mature side from now on." He also stated, "Rather than setting immediate goals such as performance in this tournament, showing a good appearance is the priority."

Kim Bi-o achieved the feat of being the youngest winner in Korean Professional Golf Association (KPGA) history at the 2010 Johnny Walker Open. After going through the PGA Tour Qualifying (Q) School in December, he moved to the PGA Tour in 2011 but lost his tour card and struggled in the Web.com (second-tier) Tour in 2012 and 2013 before returning to Korea in 2014. It is remarkable that during a brief return in May 2012, he swept 'two consecutive wins' at the Maekyung Open and SK Telecom Open, instantly becoming the domestic money leader.

In 2018, after tying for 16th place in the qualifying tournament, he rejoined the Korean Tour last year and won twice: the Gunsan CC Jeonbuk Open in April and the Daegu Gyeongbuk Open in September. The problem was the controversy over his 'middle finger gesture.' On the final day of the Daegu Gyeongbuk Open, at the 16th hole (par 4) tee shot, when a topping shot occurred due to the sound of a mobile phone camera shutter, he raised his middle finger toward the gallery, drawing heavy criticism. The KPGA disciplinary committee immediately imposed a severe penalty of "3 years suspension and a fine of 10 million KRW."

However, the KPGA reduced the penalty to "1 year" in October last year and then granted a special pardon again on the 27th of last month. This marks the starting point of Kim Bi-o's early comeback after 11 months. Regarding the tournament being held without spectators due to the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19), Kim said, "I have never thought about playing without an audience," and bowed once again, saying, "I will live feeling grateful just to be on the field as a player."