FREE KIM lol, kevin na is hilarious!!

Maybe excessive for Canada or the US. He was not in Canada or the US.

I think it is excessive. A fine and possibly a xx week suspension would have been enough. These people taking pictures of golfers while they are swinging has to cease.

I believe that it's beyond excessive. Hopefully, his Tour will change it's mind

Excessive. PGA players in US have had words with fans that were not gentlemanly and just got fined. A fine and a small suspension would have sufficed. Of course the Japanese have a different view of respect.

Not quite the same as helmet to helmet contact in football. Even a 3 event suspension is painful enough to learn a lesson. Going into the gallery for fisticuffs would be worthy of that kind of suspension.

Yes, the penalty is way too much.Makes you wonder though; it were someone more notable like Tiger, Rory or DJ, would the penalty have been the same?

I highly doubt it.

I agree with Mike M....it's excessive--and, likewise, I'm also curious how they would have handled this with a notable (Tiger, Rory, Brooks, Dustin, et al). The act of eliminating a player's livelihood for a 3-year period based solely on the player's spontaneous, emotional reaction is simply draconian. I'm not invalidating (or excusing) the fact that the player behaved poorly; rather, I'm pointing out the disproportionate resultant punishment.

It is my understanding the suspension has been decreased to 1 year. Which is still excessive. However, having for Asian companies my entire career I understand their mindset. Maybe if we (US Sports group) took notice and started handing out severe penalties to athletes the games would become more appropriate for families.

look well he did give the finger to the crowd that should be at least a event supsision.

On the surface it certainly seems excessive but I have not followed this story closely, why did he choose not to appeal the suspension?

I think 3 years is crazy but I understand the PGA's decision, boundaries must be set and they have a brand to sell. This bio guy is a poster boy and example for the rest of the tour. Although it would be wild to have a bad boy player... sort of a happy Gilmore.

A little excessive. A fine or two tourney suspension would probably would have sufficed, mind you the patron should have been immediately removed from the gallery and sent on his way. Yes, on the PGA and Euro tour they do not publish their suspensions and or fines maybe doing so would curtail some of the ungentlemanly actions by pros on those tours.

Personally, Excessive-Yes, but its "Their Culture". These are KOREANs, very proud people who are taught to Excel in everything they do. They do not represent themselves, family, friends, but their Country too.
That's why there are so many good Korean LPGA and PGA players. To appeal will be be more shameful to him. So hopefully in the near future his suspension will be lifted.

Way over the top. A fine and a suspension of let's say 7 and up to 30 days would be severe enough to get the point across. 3 years is like throwing the man out of his country and telling him to go play elsewhere.

We certainly think it's excessive and believe a pro here would get off with just a fine, but it's a different culture where etiquette is extremely important. Although he won't be playing on the Korean Tour for a few years, he'll be playing somewhere.

Crowds are getting a bit more rowdy than years past. I think you’ll see a push to quiet the chatter between players and the crowds and you cannot crack down on the crowds unless you make it known to the players that this behavior won’t be tolerated. Koreans take great respect in this game like we did in the past and these actions just make the rowdy ones more rowdy. 3 years is a bit much though. Will he be able to play elsewhere I wonder?

I honestly think they should re-evaluate this. A 3 year suspension is big, but so is the importance of showing etiquette and professionalism. Maybe up the fine and decrease the suspension. Hoping for the best for all involved.

It is unlikely this type of behavior will ever happen again in their country.

If I knew I was going to get suspended for three years for giving the finger, I doubt I would have stopped with the finger!! He should have at least got his money's worth! Enough with the cameras!!
Play Well,
Steve S.

It is a different culture there in Korea what he did was disrespectful to the game,his family,and his country by there standards...he apologized immediately after doing it before he received his suspension he said he would not appeal because it would mean his apology was not sincere..If it happened on the PGA he would have been fined and maybe suspended for a few tournaments..

I guess it all depends on where you're at, but as far as the offense meeting the punishment. I would say it's an excessive penalty for what he did. I understand culture but a 1 year would still be excessive but it would be easier to digest if it was me.

Reality a cash donation (fine) and maybe a few events suspension would really have been an appropriate penalty.

But it happened and that is their ruling for their organization.....

DM

So far just about everyone on this post has indicated this suspension is excessive. The only thing I can think of is the tour wanted to send a VERY STRONG message this kind of behavior will not be tolerated under any circumstance. 3 years is unbelievable in my opinion. Think of all of the tirades you saw John McEnroe, Jimmy Connors and other athletes exhibit. They were fined pocket change. If by some remote chance Kim serves 2-3 years on this, it will be warning to other tour players.

Personally I think they should toss the fan that started it and ban him from that event.
Just my observation.