Justin Thomas apologized Saturday for uttering a homophobic slur when he missed a putt during the Tournament of Champions.
“It’s inexcusable,” Thomas said of the barely audible, rude word he uttered when he attempted a five-foot putt that could have given him par on the fourth hole during the Saturday round. “First of all, I apologize, I am an adult, I am already grown up and there is no reason at all for me to say something like that.”
“It was terrible. I am extremely embarrassed. I am not so. This does not define the person I am or what I do. Unfortunately I said so, I take responsibility and I apologize ”.
The American commented that he was not aware that his reaction was captured by the television broadcast, much less that it had become a topic on social networks, until after the round, which ended with a card of 68 strokes, five low torque, four impacts from the top.
The PGA Tour issued an announcement to address the issue.
“As he said after his round, this comment from Justin’s was unacceptable,” the agency said.
It seems likely that the PGA will impose a fine for conduct deemed unprofessional. However, the tour does not usually disclose its disciplinary measures.
Thomas, who topped the rankings for a week last year, is the defending champion in Kapalua.
