‘Ogu Controversy’ Yoon Ina ‘3-Year Suspension from Competition’

Korean Golf Association Sports Fairness Committee Disciplinary Announcement on Ogu Incident
Yoonina May Request Reconsideration by Korean Sports Council Sports Fairness Committee if Unhappy
KLPGA Tour Also Plans Follow-up Measures

[Asia Economy Reporter No Woo-rae] Yoon Ina (19, photo), who caused the ‘Ogu scandal,’ has been given a severe penalty of a 3-year suspension from competition.

The Korea Golf Association (KGA) Sports Fairness Committee announced on the 19th, after reviewing the disciplinary hearing regarding Yoon Ina’s violation of golf rules during the Korean Women’s Open tournament, that "she will be suspended from participating in association-hosted and organized tournaments for 3 years." The committee explained, "Although Yoon Ina reported herself late and is deeply reflecting on her actions, she caused social controversy and damaged the dignity of golf players. Considering the impact on currently active professional players and rising junior players, it was taken into account that she undermined the fundamental spirit of golf, which is ‘the only sport where one’s conscience is the judge.’"

The committee cited as reasons for the disciplinary action that Yoon Ina was aware of the rule violation but continued to participate until the next day, disrupting the order of the tournament; as a former national team member, she failed to set an example for other golfers; she concealed the rule violation and only voluntarily reported it after a significant period, thereby damaging the trust that is the foundation of golf and causing social controversy.

Yoon Ina attended the meeting on the day and responded to the inquiry. If she disagrees with the committee’s disciplinary decision, she may request a re-examination by the Korea Sports Council Sports Fairness Committee within 7 days of receiving the decision document.

During the first round of the 36th DB Group Korean Women’s Open in June, Yoon Ina’s tee shot on the 15th hole drifted to the right, and she proceeded with the game believing she had found her ball in the rough. Later, she realized it was not her ball but took no action and continued playing. About a month after the tournament ended, on the 15th of last month, she voluntarily reported the Ogu play to the Korea Golf Association, and on the 25th of the same month, she issued an apology and temporarily suspended tournament participation.

Yoon Ina was cut off at the Korean Women’s Open but was disqualified after voluntarily reporting the rule violation. Known for her long drives, Yoon Ina drew attention as a ‘next-generation star’ by winning the KLPGA Tour Ever Collagen Queens Crown on the 17th of last month, but she has suspended participation in the remaining tournaments this year due to this controversy. The KLPGA Tour also plans to take follow-up measures based on the Korea Golf Association’s disciplinary results.