In a surprising moment during the opening round of the PGA Championship at Quail Hollow Club in Charlotte, NC, Korean golfer Si Woo Kim took a cigarette break on the course, drawing attention from fans and media alike. At just 29 years old, Kim was struggling with his game, sitting at +1 over after 12 holes, while Ryan Fox led the tournament at -5.
Kim’s brief smoking session, which he ended as he approached the tee box, was captured on video and shared widely. While such a sight is rare in professional golf, it’s important to note that he isn’t the first golfer to smoke on the course. The incident adds a light-hearted dimension to the often serious atmosphere of a major golf championship.
This season has seen its share of notable occurrences on the golf course, particularly at The Masters earlier this year. Incidents included Max Homa accidentally striking a course marshal with his ball, leading to a moment of frustration, and Jordan Spieth unintentionally hitting a fan with his putter, leading to a humorous exchange.
These lighthearted and sometimes chaotic moments remind fans that golf, while a sport of concentration and finesse, can also provide entertaining surprises. As the PGA Championship unfolds, it’ll be interesting to see how Si Woo Kim rebounds from his initial performance and if his unconventional approach will spark any further headlines.
As golf continues to evolve, we may see a shift in the perception of player behavior on the course, allowing for the human side of these athletes to emerge more prominently.