Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Lee Westwood apologised yesterday following Twitter outbursts in which he rounded on trolls who criticised his performance in the final round of the US PGA Championship.
The 40-year-old carded a disappointing six-over 76, leaving him 13 shots behind winner Jason Dufner and still without a major success to his name.
Westwood did not seem in the mood to take any criticism of his performance and career on the social media site however, and defended himself with a number of tweets, several of which included foul language.
When asked by one user to "learn how to putt", he responded from his verified WestwoodLee Twitter account by saying: "Will you get a life first".
Further tweets from the account included: "You minions need to live from the inside out rather than the outside in!!!!", "Just sick of negative a******** sat behind a keyboard with a pitiful life mate !thats all!" and "Like I give a F*** what the haters say! That's life ! Some people will always be just a little bit better and work just a little bit harder."
Another tweet sought to clarify that the comments were "not (aimed at) my decent human beings followers of course. Just the p***** that should be locked up by the twitter police."
However, Westwood later moved to calm the waters following his outburst, somewhat unsurprisingly by posting a message on Twitter.
The apology was tweeted by the golfer at 4:30pm UK time on Monday, six hours after he signed out from the outburst.
He said: "Sincere apologies to my sponsors and true followers for my earlier comments. It was out of order and out of character ,Westy."
Westwood had also appeared to dismiss criticism by television pundit Colin Montgomerie of his round in his earlier rant, simply replying "who?" when asked for a response to the former Ryder Cup skipper's remarks.
Further tweets also appeared designed to goad his critics, including: "Ahhh just when I'm in the mood the haters all go quiet! They must have the porn on! Ahhh the haters have all gone quiet now ! Obviously didn't like a bit back at em!
"Come on you girly boy trolls! I've only won just over 2 mill on course this year! Need you to keep me entertained a bit longer than this!
"I love slagging people back! Had enough of sitting there taking it. Bring it on!"
After retweeting a comment from a user who pointed out how much he earned compared to those criticising him, things did slow down, though, and a tweet was posted which read: "Not been hacked. Just honest. Bored now. Westy out."
PA
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments