Footage emerged of Kim taking a chunk out of the TPC Southwind’s 12th hole putting surface, following a missed birdie attempt in Memphis. The clip quickly went viral, sparking debate among fans and critics alike.

Addressing the furore on Instagram, Kim said: “Hi everyone, it’s been brought to my attention about my frustration shown yesterday on the 12th green. I will never lie to my peers and fans because I have too much respect and gratitude towards them.

“I wasn’t aware that I had made that big of a damage on the green cause if I had I would’ve never just left without repairing it, but I was clearly wrong and will take full responsibility of my actions and will be better going forward. Thank you and I apologize again and thank you for your support throughout a tough year.”

His conduct on the course has been hotly debated online, with some golf enthusiasts suggesting that the young pro should face penalties for his actions.

Kim’s season took a disastrous turn over the course of three holes, marking the beginning of the end for him. While playing to secure a spot in the second FedEx Cup playoff at Castle Pines Golf Club, Kim’s season fell apart at the 16th on Sunday, ending his round – and season – with a bogey, double bogey, double bogey.Tom Kim has issued an apology

Before the unfortunate turn of events, the young golfer was performing well, standing four-under-par through 15 holes, without a single bogey until his first slip-up. Even after missing a putt at the 12th, a determined Kim managed to score a birdie a hole later, only for things to go downhill three holes afterwards.

Despite having scored birdies on the par-five 16th twice in his previous three rounds, the South Korean found himself in bunker trouble on Sunday, resulting in a bogey, six. A visibly frustrated Kim then proceeded to the penultimate hole, where his situation quickly deteriorated.

Even though he found the fairway, inaccurate approaches and a three-putt led him to make a double bogey, followed by another one hole later, leaving him tied for 50th at one-under for the week. Unfortunately for Kim, this marked the end of his campaign, as he missed out on one of the 50 spots available at the BMW Championship.