Unexpected Moment on the Tee
Golf fans were left stunned at the 2025 PGA Championship when Si Woo Kim was caught lighting a cigarette just moments before his tee shot at Quail Hollow. The incident, captured and reported by Dan Rapaport, quickly went viral, prompting waves of reaction across the golf world.
Kim’s Blunt Justification
When confronted about the moment, the 29-year-old South Korean calmly responded, “Getting old and stressed.” The short but revealing comment has added fuel to a growing conversation around athlete mental health and behavior on the course.
Fans Divided on the Act
While some fans saw the moment as a human side of the game’s pressures, others criticized Kim for what they called “unprofessional conduct” during a premier event. With smoking rarely seen on the PGA Tour, the moment has stirred fresh debate on player etiquette and personal boundaries.
Championship Already Full of Surprises
This incident joins an already chaotic PGA Championship week, from a wandering turtle on the 16th green to unpredictable leaderboard shifts. As the tournament unfolds, all eyes remain on whether Kim’s play can outshine the smoke of controversy.
A Developing Story
As the PGA continues and more reactions surface, it remains to be seen if the Tour will respond officially to Kim’s actions—or if the golfing community will let the smoke clear on its own.