The President of the Turkish Golf Federation has apologised for ‘head butting’ an official photograph just prior to Tiger Woods’ opening round match in the Turkish Airlines World Golf Final.
Mr. Ahmet Agaoglu made the apology just after announcing the staging next year of the inaugural $7m Turkish Open as part of the 2013 European Tour Race to Dubai schedule.
President of the Turkish Golf Federatio, Ahmet Agaoglu apologises for head-butting photographer on day one of Turkish Airlines World Golf Final. (Photo – Fran Caffrey/www.golffile.ie)
Woods was about to tee up against South African Charl Schwartzel in Tuesday’s opening round of the eight-player $5.3m event on the Antalya Golf club course in Belek.Agaoglu was seen arguing with the photographer/reporter Cihat Unal amid chaotic scenes on the first tee at the Antalya Golf Clu.
In the scuffle Unal’s glasses were broken, and he attended a police station to file his complaint.
Agaoglu denied he headbutted Unal, saying: “He pushed me and I pushed him back and he fell over.
“The photographer had been warned a few times by the marshal’s to leave where they were standing and they didn’t want to move, so they started shouting back at the security guys,” said Agaoglu.
“I was there to explain that this event for Turkey was unlike any other sports we have in this country and gave as an example that in a football match that when a player is taking a penalty you cannot go into the six-yard area to take your pictures.
“They were pushing the security guards and one then pushed me and I replied by pushing him back, as well.
“I am trying to make everything this week so perfect and it’s unfortunate my reaction happened.
“However I will prepare a written apology and send it to him apologising for my own actions.”
And Agaolu indicated he had spoken to the photographer and does not expect the Turkish Police to be involved.
“I am sorry that that kind of thing happened and while it was not good for the tournament to have all that shouting and pushing, nothing further should happen and we move on.”
