Tom Kim pens firm statement after damaging locker as he addresses 'disciplinary action'

South Korean golf star Tom Kim has broken his silence after breaking his locker room door after losing a playoff at the Genesis Championship on Sunday. Kim, 22, finished level with An Byeong-hun on 17 under par, and it was the latter who then sunk his birdie putt after the pair went back down the 18th.

Kim could only make par, meaning he missed out on a fourth career title.

Frustration then got the better of him, as it was reported he damaged the locker door by yanking it with too much force.

Kim has now issued his say on the matter and appears to have escaped any disciplinary action for his behaviour. Earlier, he told Korean newspaper Sports Donga on Monday that he would take responsibility for the incident. However, he has now called out "false reporting" about the controversy.

On his Instagram page, Kim wrote: "It's important that the information comes from me, openly and honestly," he said. "After the loss I was frustrated yes, absolutely, but I can assure you with absolute truth that I had no intent of damaging any part of the locker - not a single bit.

"I addressed it with the DP World Tour and the KPGA right after the incident saying that the door came off. We had to fully pull it off due to safety reasons, I also let them know that I was willing to pay all expenses for the damage."

Kim also said he'd been assured the matter was not being taken further. "There has also been speculation about disciplinary action," he continued. "I spoke to the tour immediately after the incident. After my apology and offer to pay damages, the matter was considered closed."

He concluded with an emotional thank you, saying: "I am grateful to everyone that's reached out with messages of support. But to them and everyone else I have let down, I apologise with all of my heart."

Kim, who turned professional in May 2018, has been considered a rising star of the sport in recent years. He won his first PGA title at the Wyndham Championship in August 2022, and then captured the Shriners Children's Open four months later.

That made him the first player to win twice on the Tour before the age of 21 since the iconic . And at the last year, he further cemented his reputation by finishing tied for second behind winner Brian Harman.

Kim also played for Korea at the this summer, coming eighth overall on 13 under par. A top-three finish would have secured him an exemption to military service.