South Korean golfer Kim Si Woo has found himself in a bit of a pickle at the PGA Championship 2025. Not because of his playing, though. The 4-time PGA Tour winner carded a tough 1 over par on day 1 at Quail Hollow but staged a marvelous recovery on day 2 with a mind-boggling 7 under par to finish a comfortable T2 with a total score of 6 under par. His day 2 also included a spectacular ace on par 3 sixth. However, the PGA Tour pro could land himself in trouble after a separate incident that happened during the action on day 1.

The 2017 PLAYERS Championship winner was found smoking during a small break amid the first round at Quail Hollow. Si Woo is seen putting the cigarette out right before approaching the tee box in what has been a viral video from the first day’s action. Smoking is not something that is seen often on the golf course, especially by players. But is there any rule that prohibits it from the course during the major championship?

The Professional Golfers’ Association does not have a specific rule or law that is against smoking during tournaments, but it is generally frowned upon. It is an unwritten law that players, if they choose to smoke, do so in private, as several young fans who watch the tournament. The influence held by the golfers is big, and seeing a golfer smoke a cigarette while participating in a big event could have some ill-advised influence on the next generation, who grow up watching these players and admiring them.

And we are not even talking about the health part of it. In a long, drawn-out game like golf, being in the best shape is necessary, and cigarettes prevent that. The sport is considered a gentleman’s sport, and the golfers are expected to uphold that image while teeing off on the course. So, while Kim Si Woo might not land in any official trouble, there is a good chance that he will be talked to and reminded about the game’s values.

History of smokers in golf

Perhaps the most famous smoking golfer in history would be “Long John,” aka John Daly. The two-time major winner, known for his erratic behavior on the court, started smoking in college to lose weight and make the golf team. However, the habit translated to his playing career, and since then, he has reportedly smoked over 18,000 cigarettes. Phew! The 59-year-old was caught smoking on the course as recently as last year’s The Open Championship, which was held at the Royal Troon Golf Club in Scotland.

Charley Hull is another golfing star who went viral for catching smokes during the 2024 Women’s US Open. She was seen signing autographs with a cigarette hanging off her mouth during the major at the Lancaster Country Club in Pennsylvania. However, since then, she has quit the habit after making a bet with a friend of hers.

What do you think of Kim Si Woo’s actions on the course at the 2025 PGA Championship? Should some form of action be taken against him?