Australian golfer Steve Elkington could be disciplined for what he says was his inadvertent "use of language in relation to the Pakistani people" in a Twitter message.
Golf's governing body has launched an investigation after the 1995 PGA champion tweeted an offensive term while criticising the English city of Southport, where he has been competing in the Senior British Open at Royal Birkdale.
"We have spoken to Steve Elkington about his inappropriate and regrettable comments on Twitter, and the matter will be reviewed before the Championship considers taking any disciplinary action against the player," the R&A said in a joint statement with the European Senior Tour and Champions Tour.
"Steve has expressed his regret at his comments and wishes to apologise to the Championship and the people of Southport for any offence caused."
The 50-year-old Elkington said the tweet was sparked by "an unfortunate incident involving a caddie earlier in the week" in Southport.
"Being Australian, I was unaware that my use of language in relation to the Pakistani people would cause (offence). But having been made aware, I now deeply regret the use of that terminology," he said in a statement.
"Southport is a beautiful place and I have enjoyed playing at Royal Birkdale, as my positive content on Twitter has shown. My comments were borne out of frustration over what had happened to a colleague. I am prepared to adhere to any disciplinary action that the Championship sees fit."
It is the second racially tinged incident to hit golf in recent months. In May, Sergio Garcia jokingly said he would have Tiger Woods over for dinner during the US Open and "we will serve fried chicken".
Garcia later apologised to Woods.
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