Hideki Matsuyama apologized to Ian Poulter and other golfers on Saturday, a day after learning that the veteran called him an “idiot” for damaging a green during the second round of the WGC-Cadillac Championship at Doral on Friday.
Matsuyama, 22, was playing in the group ahead of Poulter, who was in a group with Charl Schwartzl and Jason Dufner. Damaging the 13th green left the next group to clean it up. Matsuyama apologized to all three prior to his third round on Saturday.
“At the time, I didn’t think I did it so strong, making the divot on the green,” Matsuyama told Japanese reporters in remarks that were translated, per ESPN. “Upsetting the players behind me means I did it.
“I was not careful enough. I need to be more careful about etiquette and manners in the future.”
Poulter called Matsuyama an “idiot” in a series of tweets sent Friday night.
playing with Matsuyama tomo. He buried his putter in the 13th green 5 ft from the hole, Referee had to repair the crater. Because he didn't.
— Ian Poulter (@IanJamesPoulter) March 8, 2014
Why should Matsuyama leave a crater in the green for others to putt over, or have to call a referee to repair the damage. Idiot.
— Ian Poulter (@IanJamesPoulter) March 8, 2014
Im no saint & first to say. But that was disgusting. I wouldn't bury a putter in a green 5 ft from a hole & have players behind deal with it
— Ian Poulter (@IanJamesPoulter) March 8, 2014
Poulter and Matsuyama were actually paired together for Saturday’s third round. The youngster shot a 1-under 71, while Poulter went 1 over. Matsuyama is +4 for the tournament.
Looking at the video, what Hideki-san did seemed very minor.
