Audio By Carbonatix
Tiger Woods has called Sergio Garcia's "fried chicken" remark "wrong, hurtful and clearly inappropriate".
Garcia, 33, had joked he would invite Woods for dinner to settle their recent argument and serve fried chicken.
Fried chicken is stereotypically associated with black people in the American deep south.
In a press conference on Wednesday, a contrite Garcia said: "Most importantly I want to apologise to Tiger, I feel sick about it and I'm truly sorry."
Shortly beforehand, 37-year-old Woods wrote on Twitter: "The comment that was made wasn't silly. It was wrong, hurtful and clearly inappropriate.
"The Players ended nearly two weeks ago and it's long past time to move on and talk about golf.
"I'm confident that there is real regret that the remark was made."
Woods and Garcia have been involved in a public spat since The Players Championship earlier this month, when Garcia accused Woods of gamesmanship.
World number one Woods angered Garcia during the third round of the tournament at Sawgrass by preparing for his own shot as the Spaniard was about to play an approach shot.
Garcia was asked at the European Tour's annual awards ceremony on Tuesday if he would have the world number one around for dinner during the upcoming US Open.
"We will have him round every night," Garcia said. "We will serve fried chicken."
The Spaniard's remark was similar to one made by veteran American Fuzzy Zoeller to Woods in 1997.
After Woods won the Masters which entitled him to choose the champions' dinner menu for the following year, Zoeller said: "You pat him on the back and say congratulations and enjoy it and tell him not to serve fried chicken next year.
"Got it? Or collard greens or whatever the hell they serve."
Zoeller later apologised and said he had been misconstrued.
At a packed press conference at Wentworth ahead of Thursday's BMW PGA Championship, Garcia said: "I obviously was caught off guard by the question but I understand my answer was totally out of place and I can't say sorry enough about that.
"Also I'd like to say sorry to the European Tour and my Ryder team-mates for taking the shine away from what was a wonderful awards dinner and most importantly I want to apologise to Tiger.
"I don't have his phone number but I've called his manager. He didn't pick up but I left a message saying I would love to talk as soon as possible telling him how sorry I am and say it was a bad comment."
Garcia added that he did not expect to face disciplinary action, having spoken to PGA Tour commissioner Tim Finchem and European Tour chief executive George O'Grady.
Asked if he had considered withdrawing from this week's Wentworth event, Garcia said: "If you asked me this morning I might have but I feel like the tournament deserves to have me, I want to go out there and give everything I have and make sure the people enjoy watching me play.
"As soon as I left the dinner I had a sick feeling in my body. I didn't sleep at all last night, I felt like my heart was coming out of my body. It has been difficult to hit a shot without thinking about it. The only thing I can do is say sorry."
DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited.
Tags:
DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited.
Latest Stories
-
ICE confirmed Ken Ofori-Atta was medically fit for detention – Victor Smith
2 hours -
‘He shut the door in our faces’ – Ghana’s envoy reacts to Ken Ofori-Atta decision
3 hours -
Cup holders PSG knocked out by Paris FC
5 hours -
Why Alonso’s reign is over at Real Madrid
5 hours -
FBI involvement raises stakes in Ken Ofori-Atta detention – Ghana’s US Envoy
5 hours -
‘Miracle baby’ born in a tree above Mozambique floodwaters dies aged 25
6 hours -
After years of losses, BoG tightens controls and slashes fees in Gold Programme overhaul
6 hours -
Minnesota sues Trump administration to block surge of ICE agents
6 hours -
Trump to meet Venezuelan opposition leader Machado at the White House
7 hours -
Trump announces 25% tariff on countries doing business with Iran
7 hours -
How BoG’s gold strategy quietly pulled in $17bn and held the economy together
7 hours -
Ghana Water targets the end of January 2026 to resolve Teshie water crises
7 hours -
All UG students who overpaid fees will be refunded – Deputy Education Minister
8 hours -
Majeed Ashimeru set for La Louvière loan switch from Anderlecht
8 hours -
NPP flagbearer race: Any coercion in primaries will be resisted – Bryan Acheampong campaign team
8 hours
