World number three Justin Thomas has apologised for using a homophobic slur during the third round of the Sentry Tournament of Champions in Hawaii.
Thomas, the defending champion at the $6.7 million event, missed a five-foot putt on the fourth hole after which he uttered the slur which was picked up by a television microphone.
Thomas, 27, said: “It’s inexcusable. First off, I just apologise. I’m an adult. I’m a grown man.
“There’s absolutely no reason for me to say anything like that. It’s terrible. I’m extremely embarrassed.
“It’s not who I am, it’s not the kind of person that I am or anything that I do.
“Unfortunately, I did it, and I have to own up to it, and I’m very apologetic.
“It’s bad. There’s no other way to put it.
“I need to do better, I need to be better. It’s definitely a learning experience.
“I deeply apologise to everybody and anybody who I offended, and I’ll be better because of it.”
Thomas finished his round by shooting a five-under 68 and is tied for fifth place with one round to play, four shots back of co-leaders Harris English and Ryan Palmer who are at 21-under par.
