Chaska, Minnesota …
Masters champion Danny Willett has apologised on behalf of his elder brother over disparaging remarks Peter Willett directed at USA Ryder Cup fans.
The European Team, including Captain Darren Clarke, were in damage-control mode Wednesday at Hazeltine over the remarks that appeared in a UK-based golf magazine.
Clarke was so incensed he grabbed a copy of the article and presented it to Danny Willett on course as the reigning Masters Champion practiced ahead of tomorrow’s (FRD) start to the 41st Ryder Cup.
Danny Willett hopes his apology to Davis Love 111 draws a line under the controversy.
In the article, Peter Willett described the US supporters as ‘brainless bastards’ and adding: They need to silence the pudgy, basement-dwelling, irritants, stuffed on cookie dough and pissy beer, pausing between mouthfuls of hotdog so they can scream ‘Baba booey’ until their jelly faces turn red.”
Willett has now been forced to apologise on behalf of his brother.
“I’d just like to apologise obviously to everyone involved for what has been said,” said Willett.
“It’s obviously not the thoughts of myself and of the team and of captain Darren. I spoke to him (Pete) on the phone after I was made aware of what was said and what has been going on.
“And I said to Pete that, you know, I was obviously disappointed in what was said and what was written about the American fans that obviously took me under their wing fantastically back in April.
“As soon as I got done on the golf course, I went to see Davis (Love 111 – US Captain) and me and Davis had a chat for a few minutes about it all, and he took it very well and I think he’s drawn a line under it obviously for himself and for the team.
“So hopefully everyone else can do the same and hopefully we can get on and have a great tournament.”
