[Field Story] Give Yoonina a Chance

The domestic women's golf scene is heating up.

This is due to the reduction of the penalty for Yoon Ina, who caused the 'Ogu Play scandal.' The Korea Golf Association (KGA) recently reduced Yoon Ina's three-year competition ban to one year and six months. As a result, Yoon Ina's suspension will end on February 18 next year, allowing her to participate in the Korean Women's Open in June, organized by the KGA. The KGA explained the reason for the penalty reduction, stating, "Yoon Ina complied with the association's disciplinary decision, showed sincere remorse and repentance by completing over 50 hours of community service and donating all prize money earned from 13 tournaments on the U.S. minor league golf tour." They also announced, "Considering over 5,000 petitions appealing for relief and public opinion that the three-year suspension by the association equates to a near-severe penalty of a three-year ban from all domestic professional tours, the competition ban has been reduced, and an additional 50 hours of community service was added."

The Korea Golf Association reduced Yoon Ina's suspension period to one year and six months, paving the way for her return to the field next year.

원본보기 아이콘

Yoon Ina will be able to step onto the field next year. However, it is only a 'half measure.' The only tournament organized by the KGA is the Korean Women's Open. For her full comeback, a decision from the Korea Ladies Professional Golf Association (KLPGA) is necessary. Yoon Ina received a three-year competition ban from the KLPGA. The KLPGA must act for her true return.

Yoon Ina was a star who heated up the KLPGA Tour last year. Leading with a long drive of up to 300 yards, she attracted large galleries. In July last year, she achieved a 'wire-to-wire' victory at the Ever Collagen Queens Crown, establishing herself as the next-generation star to lead Korean women's golf. However, in June last year, during the first round of the Korean Women's Open at the 15th hole, she violated the rules. Knowing the ball in the rough was not hers, she continued playing. About a month after the rule violation, in July, she voluntarily reported the Ogu Play to the KGA and stopped participating in tournaments. She received a severe penalty of a three-year competition ban from both the KGA and KLPGA and took time to reflect.

The KLPGA is deliberating on reducing Yoon Ina's penalty. They are carefully monitoring public opinion. Supportive and opposing views are evenly matched. A KLPGA official cautiously stated, "If Yoon Ina's side submits a petition for pardon and reduction along with a petition letter, it will be reviewed. Once the documents are received, the disciplinary committee is expected to provide an opinion on this matter." The KLPGA can decide on reducing Yoon Ina's penalty through the disciplinary committee and then the board of directors.

Generally, not many players serve their full suspension period. There is the case of Kim Bi-o, a representative of Korean men's golf. In September 2019, during the fourth round of the Korean Tour DGB Financial Group Volvik Daegu Gyeongbuk Open, he made an obscene gesture toward a gallery member who was interfering with play and was given a three-year competition ban by the disciplinary committee. However, the Korea Professional Golfers' Association (KPGA) reduced the suspension to one year three weeks later and granted a special pardon in July 2020, lifting Kim Bi-o's penalty.

The KLPGA Tour needs a 'major star.' Many golf fans are hoping Yoon Ina will return and show her former form. If Yoon Ina serves the full three-year suspension, it is questionable whether she can continue her career. Of course, among KLPGA Tour players, opposition to reducing the penalty is the mainstream opinion. The reaction is, "We still cannot understand why she reported the Ogu Play so late after committing it." Certainly, there was a problem with Yoon Ina's actions. However, young players need time on the field to reflect.

© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.