Golf coach Hank Haney has got himself in some hot water after making racially motivated comments during a SiriusXM radio interview recently freetips.com reports today.
The world-renowned professional golf coach was forced to issue an apology after comments he made during a recent radio interview sparked outrage amongst the golf community due to the racist overtones of the comments.
Haney who most notably was the coach of Tiger Woods made a number of thoughtless jokes with host Steve Johnson during the SiriusXM interview
“I’m gonna predict a Korean [will win],” commented Haney. “That’s a pretty safe bet,” replied Johnson. “That’s gonna be my prediction. I couldn’t name you, like, six players on the LPGA Tour,” Haney continued, before continuing: “Well, I’d go with Lee. If I didn’t have to name a first name, I’d get a bunch of them right. I don’t know. … Lexi Thompson. … Michelle Wie’s hurt. I don’t know that many.”
The comments that came ahead of the US Women’s Open certainly were hurtful to Michelle Wie, the former champion in 2014, who will not be competing as she has a wrist injury, and she took to Twitter to express her outrage.
“As a Korean American female golfer, these comments that @HankHaney made disappoint and anger me on so many different levels. Racism and sexism are no laughing matter, Hank….shame on you. I don’t ever do this, but this must be called out. Too many of these girls, Korean or not, have worked countless hours and sacrificed so much to play in the US Open this week. There are so many amazing players in the field. Let’s celebrate them….Not mock them.”
Wie received surgery to repair a damaged right hand earlier in the year, and despite the fact that she is making progress with her recovery, she still isn’t in a position where she feels able to play.
Hank later apologised for his remarks saying:
“This morning I made some comments about women’s golf and its players that were insensitive and that I regret,” Haney answered “In an effort to make a point about the overwhelming success of Korean players on the tour I offended people, and I am sorry. I have the highest respect for the women who have worked so hard to reach the pinnacle of their sport, and I never meant to take away from their abilities and accomplishments.
“I’ve worked in this game with men and women players from many different cultures, and I look forward to continuing to do so.”
Wie wasn’t the only female golfer to be hurt by the comments, several other of the top female golfers took to social media to decry Haney’s thoughtless comments. With Marina Alex calling Haney shameful and Brittany Lincicome expressing disbelief that he could have said something like that. While Annika Sorenstam said that Haney’s behaviour was simply unacceptable.
The US Women’s Open is taking place at the Country Club of Charleston. The defending champion in the tournament is Ariya Jutanugarn