Garcia row hangs over Wentworth

Sergio Garcia was today trying to focus on the first round of the BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth after his public row with Tiger Woods took an unwelcome turn.

Garcia escaped punishment for what could be construed as a racist remark about Woods after offering an unreserved apology for his “stupid and out of place” comments at the European Tour’s annual awards ceremony on Tuesday evening, although his major sponsors are continuing to review the matter.

During a Q&A session involving the full Ryder Cup team hosted by the Golf Channel’s Steve Sands, the 33-year-old was asked if he would invite Woods to dinner one night during the upcoming US Open to settle their differences, which resurfaced at the Players Championship this month.

“We will have him round every night,” Garcia said. “We will serve fried chicken.”

Fried chicken is stereotypically associated with black people in the American deep south and Garcia’s joke recalled a comment made by Fuzzy Zoeller in 1997 as Woods was about to win his first major title at the Masters.

That would entitle him to choose the champions’ dinner menu for the following year and 1979 champion 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.”

Garcia initially issued an apology overnight for his “silly remark” and another following his pro-am round on Wednesday was enough for European Tour chief executive George O’Grady and PGA Tour commissioner Tim Finchem to consider the matter closed.

Woods responded via Twitter, writing: “The comment that was made wasn’t silly. It was wrong, hurtful and clearly inappropriate.

“I’m confident that there is real regret that the remark was made. The Players ended nearly two weeks ago and it’s long past time to move on and talk about golf.”

Garcia echoed that sentiment and when asked if he thought about pulling out of the European Tour’s flagship event, said: “If you asked me that this morning (Wednesday) I might have. My mind is not in the greatest place at the moment but I feel like the tournament deserves to have me, it has nothing to do with it. It was all on me.

“As soon as I left the dinner I started to get a sick feeling. I didn’t really sleep at all. I felt like my heart was going to come out of my body. It was tough to hit a shot (in the pro-am) without thinking about it.

“I want to go out there and try and give everything I have. I’ll try my hardest to do well and make sure that people can enjoy watching me play.”

Garcia said he wanted to apologise to Woods directly but does not have the American’s phone number. He left a message with Woods’ agent Mark Steinberg.

Asked if he accepted his comment was racist, Garcia added: “It was not meant that way. I was caught off guard by what seemed to be a fun question and tried to give a funny answer that came out totally wrong.”

A statement from Garcia’s major sponsors TaylorMade-adidas read: “Sergio Garcia’s recent comment was offensive and in no way aligns with TaylorMade-adidas Golf’s values and corporate culture.

“We have spoken with Sergio directly and he clearly has regret for his statement and we believe he is sincere. We discussed with Sergio that his comments are clearly out of bounds and we are continuing to review the matter.”