[The Editors' Verdict] Why We Should Be Wary of Calls for Leniency Toward Yoon Ina

[Asia Economy Jeong Doohwan, Trend Managing Editor] Dylan Frittelli, the 2019 PGA John Deere Classic champion, posted on SNS right after the RBC Heritage tournament in April, saying, “I recorded the best par of my life but received a 2-stroke penalty,” adding, “It might be a top 10-worthy feat (rare record).”

The story goes like this. On the final day of the tournament, his tee shot on the 6th hole (par 4) flew into the woods and got stuck on a branch higher than his height. After some thought, he stood right behind the ball and hammered it out with his putter. He brilliantly escaped the crisis and saved par, but ultimately had to record a double bogey on his scorecard. This was due to a 2-stroke penalty for violating the rule of “making a stroke while standing across or on the line of play.” Simply put, you must hit the ball from the side, not from behind it.

Even players with over 10 years of experience and wins on the world’s top stage, the PGA, can get confused by golf rules. Unlike most ball games played on standardized courses, golf players encounter various situations depending on weather and terrain, so even seasoned players might unknowingly commit rule violations.

Nevertheless, golf has no referees. The first chapter of the golf rulebook states, “Golf is mostly played without supervision by referees.” This means players are their own referees. Perhaps because of this characteristic, penalties and criticism for players’ misconduct are harsher than in any other sport.

A rookie player who caught the attention of the Korean golf community is now at risk of ending his career due to a rule violation. This is Yoon Ina, who caused a controversy by delaying the reporting of a ‘wrong ball play’ incident. Although she apologized belatedly and announced her intention to withdraw from the remaining tournaments this year, the aftershocks have yet to subside.

The problem with her actions is not the mistake itself but the concealment of it. The rule Yoon Ina violated is a basic one known not only to professional players but also to most beginner amateurs. It was not a ‘mistake’ but a clear ‘intentional’ violation. This is why the controversy goes beyond a simple rule breach. Punishments for intentional rule violations are severe. It is a stigma that will follow her for life, as it damages the fundamental spirit of golf.

Some argue for forgiveness based on sufficient reflection for the sake of the player’s future growth. They say she is still young and has great potential. Her status as a long hitter comparable to many men also seems to play a role as a draw. There is also a logic that she is a victim of ‘performance-first’ priorities.

However, outstanding talent cannot surpass the value of fairness. All professional athletes are rewarded based on fair competition and the results thereof.

The golf community must be cold-headed. The moment we apply leniency with the weak argument that “it is a wrong culture we are all responsible for,” the second and third Yoon Ina incidents will never stop. This is why we oppose lenient treatment.

The real reason the legendary golfer Bobby Jones, the only player in golf history to win all four major tournaments in a single year?the ‘Grand Slam’?is revered as the ‘Saint of Golf’ is different. It is because of his sportsmanship in reporting his own rule violation, which no one else saw, and forfeiting his victory. Bobby Jones responded to the praise he received by saying, “Praising someone for playing by the rules is like praising someone for not robbing a bank.” This is a story young players dreaming of success should engrave in their hearts before competing.