David Ortiz will receive $50 000 for his role in helping Matt Kuchar to victory at the Mayakoba Classic after the American performed a U-turn on the issue.
READ: Kuchar can keep his 15k, says El Tucan
Subject to persistent heckling at the Genesis Open and reports of pressure from the tour and the event itself, Kuchar backed down from his original stance.
Kuchar’s statement:
‘This week, I made comments that were out of touch and insensitive, making a bad situation worse. They made it seem like I was marginalising David Ortiz and his financial situation, which was not my intention. I read them again and cringed. This is not who I am and not what I want to represent.
‘My entire tour career, I have tried to show respect and positivity. In this situation, I have not lived up to those values or to the expectations I’ve set for myself. I let myself, my family, my partners and those close to me down, but I also let David down. I plan to call David tonight, something that is long overdue, to apologise for the situation he has been put in, and I have made sure he has received the full total that he has requested.
‘I never wanted to bring any negativity to the Mayakoba Golf Classic. I feel it is my duty to represent the tournament well, so I am making a donation back to the event, to be distributed to the many philanthropic causes working to positively impact the communities of Playa del Carmen and Cancun.
‘For my fans, as well as fans of the game, I want to apologise to you for not representing the values instilled in this incredible sport. Golf is a game where we call penalties on ourselves. I should have done that long ago and not let this situation escalate.’
