Sergio Garcia has apologised for making what could be seen as a racist remark about world number one Tiger Woods.
Garcia, 33, was asked if he would have Woods round for dinner to settle their recent argument and joked that he would serve fried chicken.
Fried chicken is stereotypically associated with black people in American deep south.
Garcia said: “I apologise for any offence. In no way was the comment meant in a racist manner.”
Woods and Garcia have been involved in a public spat since The Players Championship earlier this month, when Garcia accused Woods of gamesmanship.
Woods angered Garcia during the third round of the tournament at Sawgrass by preparing for his own shot as the Spaniard was about to play an approach shot.
Garcia was then asked at the European Tour’s annual awards ceremony on Tuesday night if he would have the world number one around for dinner during the upcoming US Open.
“We will have him round every night,” Garcia said. “We will serve fried chicken.”
Garcia’s remark was similar to one made by Fuzzy Zoeller to Woods in 1997.
After Woods won the Masters which entitled him to choose the champions’ dinner menu for the following year, Zoeller said: “You pat him on the back and say congratulations and enjoy it and tell him not to serve fried chicken next year.
“Got it? Or collard greens or whatever the hell they serve.”
Zoeller later apologised and said he had been misconstrued.
Garcia issued a statement through the European Tour, saying: “I apologise for any offence that may have been caused by my comment on stage during The European Tour Players’ Awards dinner.
“I answered a question that was clearly made towards me as a joke with a silly remark, but in no way was the comment meant in a racist manner.”
Earlier on Tuesday, Garcia rejected the opportunity to end his dispute with Woods ahead of the BMW PGA Championship, which starts at Wentworth on Thursday.
He said: “I don’t have Tiger’s number and he wouldn’t pick up the phone anyway. But that’s okay, I don’t need him as a friend.
“He doesn’t need me in his life, I don’t need him in mine so let’s move on and keep on doing what we’re doing. There’s never been a true connection like I would have with Luke [Donald] or Lee [Westwood], Adam Scott or some of the other guys I get along with well.
“It doesn’t mean I cannot play with him, it’s just another player. It’s just when I’m playing with someone I enjoy there’s a bit more talking during the round. When you play with someone you don’t fancy as much it’s a little bit quieter.”
