During the Match, Caddy Abused Verbally by Kim Hanbyeol, Fined 10 Million Won and Disciplined with 40 Hours of Community Service

Verbal Abuse Toward Forecaddie at Choi Kyung-Joo Invitational Tournament

Player Kim Hanbyeol, who verbally abused an official during the match, is attending the disciplinary committee held at the Korea Professional Golfers' Association in Seongnam on the 24th. [Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Seo-hee] Kim Han-byeol (26), who caused controversy by verbally abusing a forecaddie during a Korean Professional Golf Association (KPGA) Korean Tour event, has been fined 10 million won and sentenced to 40 hours of community service.

On the 24th, KPGA held a disciplinary committee meeting at its headquarters in Unjung-dong, Bundang-gu, Seongnam-si, Gyeonggi Province, and made this decision. The regulation Kim Han-byeol violated is Article 6, "Etiquette Violation," which applies when a player causes displeasure among golf fans or damages the reputation of the association or other members.

On this day, KPGA imposed a fine of 10 million won and a 40-hour forecaddie service penalty during the Korean Tour Qualifying Tournament Final Stage on Kim Han-byeol.

Earlier this month, during the KPGA Tour Hyundai Marine & Fire Insurance Choi Kyung-ju Invitational Final held at Ferrum Club in Yeoju, Gyeonggi Province, Kim Han-byeol was reported to have verbally abused and cursed a forecaddie. The forecaddie’s role is to stay near the landing area to inform players of the position where their balls have landed to ensure smooth progress of the game.

At the time, after his tee shot on the 4th hole disappeared to the right side of the fairway, Kim Han-byeol hit a provisional ball and reportedly said to the forecaddie, "Haven't you been trained?", "Are you doing this job for money like this, you son of a b****?"

Player Kim Hanbyeol, who verbally abused an official during the match, is attending the disciplinary committee held on the 24th at the Korea Professional Golfers' Association in Seongnam.
[Photo by Yonhap News]

Kim Han-byeol attended the disciplinary committee meeting that day and is known to have explained his position for about 30 minutes. If he objects to the decision, he may request a retrial within 15 days from the date of notification.

Immediately after his explanation, Kim Han-byeol stated, "I sincerely apologize once again to those who were hurt by my thoughtless and inconsiderate behavior and inappropriate language. I also apologize once again to the golf fans who have always supported me, the association officials, fellow senior and junior players, and sponsors." He added, "I will deeply reflect on the criticism and reprimands I have received and will make sure that such irresponsible behavior is never repeated."