Justin Thomas issued an apology and faces a possible fine from the PGA Tour after the defending champion uttered a homophobic slur after missing a five-foot putt on the fourth hole during the third round of the Sentry Tournament of Champions in Hawaii on Saturday.
"There's just no excuse," the 27-year-old American told Golf Channel.
"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. But it's... unfortunately I did it and I have to own up to it and I'm very apologetic.
"Like I said, it's inexcusable. I'm speechless. 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."
The PGA Tour said in a statement: "As he expressed after his round, we agree that Justin’s comment was unacceptable."
Thomas is expected to be fined for conduct unbecoming of a professional, though the PGA Tour does not disclose specifics of such punishment.
The world number three fired an eagle and six birdies for a five-under 68 in his penultimate round at Kapalua Resort. He heads into Sunday's final round in a tie for fifth place at 17 under, four shots behind leaders Ryan Palmer and Harris English.
