TOUR NEWS: PGA Golf Pros Tee Off On Hank Haney

Now that June and the summer are upon us, golf fans are looking forward to the U.S. Open at Pebble Beach. But fans of the LPGA TOUR will also be excited for the Women’s U.S. Open.

The women’s event is what is drawing most of the attention right now, however, after some comments that were made by Hank Haney. Haney is a swing coach by trade, working with some of the best golfers in the world including Tiger Woods. Haney is also a co-host on his radio show on SiriusXM, the Hank Haney Golf Radio, where he made some controversial remarks about the upcoming Women’s U.S. Open.

On the show, Haney is asked who he thinks will win the event and went on a small rant. “I’m going to predict a Korean,” Haney responded. “That’s going to be my prediction. I couldn’t name you, like, six players on the LPGA Tour. Maybe I could. Well, I’d go with Lee if I didn’t have to name a first name, I’d get a bunch of them right.”

Hank Haney on the SiriusXM Town Hall at the PGA Merchandise Show on…

Hank Haney on the SiriusXM Town Hall at the PGA Merchandise Show on January 24, 2019 in Orlando, Florida. Get premium, high resolution news photos at Getty Images

These comments obviously drew a lot of criticism from LPGA pros and many members of the golf media. Michelle Wie has been the most vocal critic of these comments because she was mentioned by Haney later on in the conversation. She blasted Haney on Twitter for his “racist and sexist” comments and stated that Haney should be ashamed for mocking these women rather than appreciating the work they’ve had to get to this point.

Even Tiger Woods commented by saying “he deserved it”. 

In his defense, Haney responded to all of the backlash by apologizing live on his radio show. He also released a statement on Twitter emphasizing his apology, saying that he meant no harm with his remarks and is sincerely sorry for anyone that he may have offended. While his apology comes across as meaningful, the words he said simply can’t be undone.

The Women’s U.S. Open officially kicked off on Thursday and the action is sure to be intense. So if you need a golf fix before the men’ side kicks off, be sure to tune in to the women’s event this weekend.

Cover Image via Twitter