Kim Bi-o kneeled as he apologised for his actions at the Gyeongbuk Open but was still hit with a severe punishment.

Korean Tour money leader Kim Bi-o given three-year ban for obscene gesture


The money leader of the Korean Tour, Kim Bi-o, has been hit with a three-year ban for aiming an obscene gesture at the crowd during the Gyeongbuk Open.

Kim, who formerly spent time on the PGA Tour, claimed his second KPGA title of the year on Sunday.

However, the victory was marred by an incident on the 16th hole, when Kim made a middle-finger gesture at spectators and slammed his club after a fan's mobile phone rang as he hit a shot.

On Tuesday an emotional Kim kneeled before reporters to apologise for his actions but that did not stop the KPGA from handing down a severe punishment, suspending him from the tour until 2022.

"Kim Bi-o damaged the dignity of a golfer with etiquette violation and inappropriate behavior," the tour said in a statement.

World number 302 Kim has played one major in his career, finishing tied 45th at the U.S. Open in 2013.