GOLF star Zach Johnson’s experience at the Masters went from bad to worse.
The 48-year-old 2007 Masters champion is under intense scrutiny from fans on social media following an outburst during his disappointing match on Friday.
On a par-3 12th hole at Augusta, Johnson ended up with triple bogey, much to his frustration.
As TV cameras picked up sarcastic applause from the crowd, Johnson looked up after grabbing his ball, before saying: “Fuck.”
The clip immediately went viral on X, formerly known as Twitter, as many believed his comment was directed at his fans.
However, after Johnson became aware of the clip, he immediately denied that his outburst was directed at anyone other than himself.
“Did I swear at customers? That’s ridiculous. That’s completely ridiculous,” he said.
“I can’t listen to customers, number one.
“Number two, I just made a triple bogey on the 12th hole which is obviously going to make me miss the cut, which at the time I kind of knew was quite sensitive in the sense that I needed to keep making pars.
“If I said anything, which I’m not going to deny, especially if I’m on camera, first, I apologize, and second, it was completely directed at myself because I can’t hear anything behind me.”
Johnson’s explanation subsequently drew a mixed response from fans.
“I mean, the crowd on the 12th hole is an entire football field away from the green. He probably didn’t hear the crowd,” one fan tweeted.
“I believe him. Leave the guy alone,” said a second.
“Way to take responsibility,” commented a third.
While another added: “What a liar haha.”
Johnson ended up finishing seven over par, missing the cut.
This was the ninth time he had failed to make the cut in 20 appearances at Georgia.
As for his comments, Johnson may have denied directing them toward fans, but that wasn’t the case in February.
During the Waste Management Phoenix Open, Johnson again went viral after his frustration with a heckler in the crowd boiled over.
“Someone said that,” he was captured saying.
“I’m sick of this. Shut up!”
Exactly what was allegedly said in Johnson’s direction to trigger his response is unclear.
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