[Opinion] A Delinquent Gallery

There are three ways to enjoy golf; playing, watching, and reading. Although it would be difficult to compare to the joy of actually playing golf, being able to watch world class players is also a great joy. We can infer this from the fact that golf spectators flock to see PGA, LPGA, and domestic competitions, despite the costly entrance fees.

The LPGA Hana Bank-Kolon Championship closed the day before yesterday at the Mauna Club in Gyeongju, and was a disappointing tour event that disclosed the level of Korean golf fans. The third round was cancelled due to the green conditions arising from bad weather and a strong wind, which caused the mob-like gallery to flock in front of the club house. Water bottles flew, shouts were heard, and even physical contact occurred. Some even used abusive language against foreign players, who had come out to sign autographs for fans. An American player sought shelter into the clubhouse, saying, “It is too scary to be signing autographs.”

Golf tournaments tend to be shortened due to bad weather conditions. In the history of LPGA, there have been 16 tournaments that ended after two rounds (36 holes) since 1963. However, there has never been such a group protest by the gallery. In fact, this is not totally incomprehensible, considering the ‘delinquent manners’ of some domestic tournament gallery fans. It can often be witnessed where the gallery will make noises, move, or let cell phones ring while players are about to tee off or putt. Some even stir a commotion by beginning to move to the next hole while players are still putting on the green.

Golf fans may have come from all part of the country all the way to Gyeongju, just to see a good game, and they may have been very disappointed by the cancellation. However, their behavior was not justified. As Kim Mi-hyun put it, tournament cancellations are not attributable to players, the host, or the golf course. The weather just happened to be bad. Choi Gyung-ju is one of the top 10 players in the PGA, and around thirty Korean ladies are vigorously leading the LPGA. It is a shame that Korean golf fans have yet to reach their level.

Kwon Sun-taek, Editorial Writer, maypole@donga.com