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27.05.2012 South Africa

S. African golfer Els apologises for rant

By AFP
Ernie Els ripped into the ground staff after posting a third-round score of 70.  By Glyn Kirk AFPErnie Els ripped into the ground staff after posting a third-round score of 70. By Glyn Kirk (AFP)
27.05.2012 LISTEN

WENTWORTH (AFP) - Ernie Els apologised on Sunday for his foul-mouthed criticism of the watering of the course here at Wentworth during the PGA Championship.

South African Els, who has been involved in the redesign of the lay-out of the West Course, launched a fierce attack on staff here following his third round on Saturday.

But the three-time major winner has back-tracked and made a donation to the European Tour charity.

George O'Grady, chief executive of the European Tour, said in a statement issued on Sunday: "Ernie Els asked to see me this morning and apologised for his intemperate language following the conclusion of his round yesterday.

"He stated that he had already apologised to the individuals concerned and offered a substantial donation to the European Tour Benevolent Trust, which I accepted. The European Tour now consider this matter closed."

Els had shot a 70 in tricky conditions in his third round but rounded on the state of the course which he considered had been left too dry in hot and windy weather to make it fair to the players.

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