The Field's Bad Boys' Dark History: "Reed, Garcia, and Kim Bio"

Lead "Flood of Criticism After Lie Improvement," Garcia "Disqualified for Green Damage," Kim Bio Withdraws Mid-Season Amid 'Finger Gesture Scandal'

Patrick Reed has been criticized as a "cheater" since the third round of the Hero World Challenge last December due to a "lie improvement penalty."

[Asia Economy Reporter No Woo-rae] "Cheater!"

World No. 11 Patrick Reed (USA) has become the target of strong dislike. On the final day of the PGA Tour Sentry Tournament (total prize money $6.7 million) held at Kapalua Resort Plantation Golf Course on Maui Island, Hawaii, on the 6th, the gallery even jeered at him. This happened while he was preparing for a 2.5m birdie putt on the third hole of a playoff against Justin Thomas (USA). Reed missed the birdie and ultimately finished as runner-up.

The starting point was last December at the Hero World Challenge. Before taking a shot near the green at the 11th hole (par 5) in the third round, Reed rubbed sand twice with his clubhead in the waste area. After receiving a two-stroke penalty for 'improving the lie,' he explained, "If the camera angle is changed, it is not a rules violation," which only provoked more anger. The golf community criticized it as a "pathetic excuse." He has been facing troubles since the Presidents Cup.

Reed is the 2018 Masters champion. He is known for his rebellious nature, verbal slips, and unique family background, which make him a polarizing figure. In 2008, during his time at the University of Georgia in Athens, he was expelled from the golf team for so-called 'cheating,' theft, and drinking. He cut ties with his family. His relationship with his parents deteriorated because they opposed his marriage to his wife Justin, who is four years older. At the 2014 US Open, he chased his parents and younger sister off the course.

Sergio Garcia was disqualified last February during the third day of the Saudi International for damaging the green in five places with his putter.

2017 Masters champion Sergio Garcia (Spain) is also famous as a 'troublemaker.' On the third day of the European Tour Saudi International last February, he damaged the green in five places with his putter. He was disqualified under Rule 1-2 of golf, which states "Players must show consideration to others and protect the course." In the 2002 Korean Open, he made a motion as if to hit a gallery member taking photos with a golf club, and in 2007, after missing a putt, he spat into the hole.

In Korea, Kim Bi-o (30) rose to the ranks of troublemakers after a 'middle finger scandal.' In the final round of the Korean Professional Golf (KPGA) Korean Tour Daegu Gyeongbuk Open last September, at the 16th hole (par 4), when a topping shot occurred due to the sound of a mobile phone camera shutter, he raised his middle finger toward the gallery. KPGA imposed a severe penalty of "3 years suspension and a fine of 10 million won." Although the suspension was reduced to '1 year' in October, he left the tour.

The 'original worst' is John Daly (USA). He has multiple divorces and has struggled with alcohol and gambling addiction. He has shot toward the gallery and thrown cameras. He caused drunken disturbances and was banned from the PGA Tour for six months. Robert Allenby (Australia) is another notorious troublemaker. He was jailed after causing a disturbance at a casino and posted a bruised face photo on social media claiming, "I was kidnapped and assaulted," which was a false claim.

Kim Bi-o caused a controversy last September on the final day of the Daegu Gyeongbuk Open due to a finger gesture scandal.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.