Hideki Matsuyama apologizes for divot incident

Feb 20, 2014; Marana, AZ, USA; Hideki Matsuyama reacts after playing to the green of the 18th hole during the second round of the World Golf Championships – Accenture Match Play Championship at The Golf Club at Dove Mountain. Mandatory Credit: Allan Henry-USA TODAY Sports /

Paired to play with the golfer who called him an “idiot” just 24-hours prior, Hideki Matsuyama nipped any potential tension in the bud and apologized to Ian Poulter before the two teed off on Saturday at the WGC-Cadillac Championship in Doral.

As was reported earlier, Poulter ripped Matsuyama on Twitter after Friday’s round because Matsuyama slammed his putter into the 13th green and didn’t repair the divot. (Poulter was playing in the group behind Matsuyama.)

According to ESPN, Matsuyama approached Poulter before their tee time Saturday and issued an apology, which Poulter accepted. Matsuyama also issued a a general statement about the incident: “At the time, I didn’t think I did it so strong, making the divot on the green. 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.”

We’ll keep you updated with news from Doral throughout the weekend, so stay tuned.

[Source: ESPN]

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