Monday 27 October 2014 18:31, UK
Ted Bishop has apologised for his comments towards Ian Poulter which led to his removal from his role as PGA of America president.
Bishop referred to Poulter as "a little girl" because of critical remarks written by the Englishman about Nick Faldo and Tom Watson as Ryder Cup captains.
The comments were later removed from Twitter and Facebook, but PGA of America chief executive officer Pete Bevacqua later released a statement saying his insensitive comments could not be tolerated, with vice-president Derek Sprague taking over as interim president until November 22.
"I want to apologise to Ian Poulter and anyone else that I might have offended with my remarks on social media that appeared on October 23, 2014," he said in a statement reported on www.geoffshackelford.com.
"Particularly, I have great remorse that my comments contained the words 'little girl' because I have always been a great advocate for girls and women in golf."
"My two children, both girls, have made their careers in golf. I have a 4-year old granddaughter who I hope will someday play the game. In my 37-year career in golf, I have worked with many women to grow the sport and I have been a champion for inclusion and equal rights for women in golf.
"However, this is a classic example of poor use of social media on my part and if I had the chance to hit the delete button on the things that I sent out yesterday, I would without hesitation.
"The PGA of America asked me to avoid any interaction with the media in the past 24 hours and that is why I did not issue a formal and public apology, which I have wanted to do since early this morning."
And the top man at the Florida-based PGA Tour, Tim Finchem, has backed the decision to remove Bishop from his post.
The Tour commissioner said: "We understand and respect the PGA of America's decision regarding Ted Bishop.
"During Ted's presidency, he accomplished many positive things and the PGA of America and the PGA Tour have worked in a much more collaborative and positive way as a result of his leadership.
"While his remarks on social media were unfortunate and inappropriate, Ted's apology was heartfelt and sincere. We will always appreciate Ted's commitment to the game of golf."
And the LPGA released a statement supporting the sacking of Bishop, which read: "The PGA of America's quick and decisive action sent a strong message, reinforcing a consistent belief that with so many positive gains being made among golf's leading organisations, there is simply no room, nor willingness, to take a step backwards."
