USGA Rule 5.3a) You must start at (and not before or after) your starting time. Penalty for Breach of Rule 5.3a: Disqualification, with certain exceptions.

Now, we all know the Internet Invitational by Barstool Sports was not a USGA event. Had it been Luke Kwon, a YouTube star with 400K subscribers would have gotten disqualified. So, Kwon slept through his alarm and never made it in time for his 9:30 tee time. Instead, he showed up four holes late. No DQ, but Kwon did face consequences.

Dave Portnoy, Barstool founder, gave him a 4-hole penalty. Following this, the influencer joined from the 5th hole and went on to lose in his 2v2 scramble alongside teammate PFT. That led to his elimination from the event. This entire drama wasn’t without eyeballs or backlash.

Bubba Watson mocked Kwon, saying, “Who is @luke.kwon 😂.” But it was Tee Times who took it to another dimension. Uncovering an old 2019 article by NBC Sports, they pointed out how this wasn’t the first time Kwon struggled with punctuality.

He would often oversleep and show up late to practice when he was a part of the Oklahoma Sooners golf program in college. Coach Ryan Hybl almost removed him from the team if it wasn’t for his charismatic character, making him the “glue guy” of the Sooners’ team.

Witnessing the backlash, LIV Golf is now showing support for him, in its own way.

LIV Golf recently posted snaps of Luke Kwon from The Duels. Sharing candid pictures of the lighthearted moments on the field, LIV wrote: “Nothing but love for Luke Kwon 🤜🤛”. This recognition shows the league’s support for its past competitors.

LIV’s support came after Luke had apologized.

Taking to his Instagram story, he wrote, “Just woke up, what’d I miss? Obviously, nobody sleeps through their alarm wanting to sleep through their alarm. S— happened and I am genuinely sorry honest mistake. I’ve already apologized to Portnoy, Bob, and the boys off-camera at the event. Good for content tho 🙃.”

This brings forward his grounded, relatable, and humble personality, traits that his fans admire him for. Being one of the most authentic golfing influencers, it seems golf fans have a soft spot for the YouTuber.

Top Stories

Latest Rickie Fowler and Tiger Woods Update Sparks Debate Among Golf Fans: ‘Weird’

Paige Spiranac Issues Apology to Fellow Influencer as Awkward Moment from $1M Golf Invitational Goes Viral

Golf Influencer Apologizes to Dave Portnoy for Controversial Action During Barstool Sports Event

Charlie Woods Runs Into Trouble as His High School Beats Golf Rivals to Claim Major Title

Rose Zhang Is Quietly Helping Financially Struggling Golfers by Joining Hands With a Unique Project

Fans shower LIV Golf with respect after it takes a stand for Luke Kwon

Following the respectful post for Kwon, LIV seems to have made allies with the golfing community. One fan commented: “LIV and PGA giving love to Kwon is what we like to see!”

Another user appreciated LIV’s support for Kwon, writing “👏👏 love this from LIV ❤️”. This move reflected LIV’s player-first image they position themselves as. And fans are loving this side of the Saudi-backed league. Another comment further solidifies fans’ love for the recognition: “W post by @livgolf_league.”

In a more direct appreciation for Kwon himself, one user reflected their support for the golfer in a meme-style comment. They wrote: “All my homies love Luke Kwon.” Others agreed with the sentiment, with one fan taking it further, commenting: “Kwon > barstool, change my mind.” This direct comparison reflects how his YouTube audience and fans have rallied behind him even through the Barstool feud.

While others appreciated LIV for their support for Kwon, one user took a more proactive part in the ecosystem. Campaigning for a full-time LIV spot for the YouTuber, the fan wrote: “Get him in the league.” This further brings the traction the league is creating, not only as a supportive player-first league, but also as an intriguing golf entertainment circuit.