TV Rules "Rumpus" In Korea: Leader Zapped Two Shots
/Thanks to everyone who sent in this One Asia story on the bizarre finish to the Kolon Korea Open Sunday, where overnight leader and two-shot lead holder Kim Hyung-tae received a two-stroke penalty for a violation of rule 13-4.
The penalty ultimately cost Hyung-tae the event, losing to Kang Sung-hoon.
Kim stood on the 17th tee with an apparent two-shot lead when he was approached by a rules official who informed him and playing partner Hong Soon-sang that they had both grounded a club in an area deemed to be a hazard on the 13th, and what they thought were fours were actually sixes.
The pair finished their round, but before signing their scorecards they returned to the 13th and spent nearly two hours in deep discussion with officials, who also repeatedly consulted TV footage of the incident.
Kim argued he had never grounded his club, but was eventually persuaded to sign for a six by the Korean Golf Association rules committee, who had voted 5-3 against him.
That's a big committee!
The only video is this Daily Mail highlight reel of mostly Rory McIlroy shots. If anyone sees a video of the violation, please pass along and I'll add it to this post.
**Adam Sarson tweeted a GIF of the alleged violation. 
Winner Sung-hoon sounded not-too-thrilled about the win.
Q: That was strange
A: I'm a really good friend of him so at the moment it doesn't feel great. Even though I won the tournament, I just feel really sorry for him. I was actually out there to celebrate for him, but … I don't know … I don't know what to say. It's horrible.
Q: Circumstances aside, you're playing well at the moment. Two wins in-a-row
A: I really didn't think I played that well this week. I made a lot of mistakes and didn't think I had a chance -- even when I had finished the last round. On the front nine I tried so hard, but on the back I decided to just let it go, what happens will happen.
Q: Korean Open champion, but mixed feelings?
A: Yeah. Hard to celebrate in these circumstances. It doesn't feel like it.
**The official highlights bury the lede and there isn't much else to see, but if you must, the 5:09 mark is where you can see the violation. Thanks to reader Chris for sending it in.
