Swing guru Hank Haney is under fire today for comments some are calling “racist and sexist,” regarding the field at the U.S. Women’s Open.
On his popular SiriusXM PGA Tour Radio show, Haney – the former coach of Tiger Woods, along with golf instructor Steve Johnson, kicked off a weekly predictions segment:
Johnson: “You know, this week is the U.S. Women’s Open, Hank.”
Haney: “Oh, it is?
Johnson: “The 74th Women’s Open.”
Haney: “I’m gonna predict a Korean.”
Johnson: “That’s a pretty safe bet.”
Haney: “That’s gonna be my prediction. I couldn’t name you, like, six players on the LPGA Tour.”
Johnson: “Yeah.”
Haney: “Nah, 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. I don’t know…Lexi Thompson…Michelle Wie’s hurt. I don’t know that many. Where are they playing, by the way?”
Johnson: “Country Club of Charleston.”
Haney: “Oh, that’s a good course, that’s a good course. That’s a really good course. Have you pissed anybody off yet today?”
The comments made their way to social media, and Haney quickly released an apology:
— Hank Haney (@HankHaney) May 29, 2019
“This morning I made some comments about women’s professional golf and its players that were insensitive and that I regret. In an effort to make a point about the overwhelming success of Korean players on the tour I offended people and I am sorry,” he wrote. “I have the highest respect for the women who have worked so hard to reach the pinnacle of their sport and I never meant to take that away from their abilities and accomplishments. I’ve worked in the game with men and women players from many different cultures and I look forward to continuing to do so.”
Several LPGA players criticized Haney, including Michelle Wie, Karrie Webb, and Annika Sorenstam:
Shame on you @HankHaney …. https://t.co/4IyrFiLcQ2
— Michelle Wie (@themichellewie) May 29, 2019
Well said @themichellewie Wiesy! Shame on you @HankHaney and Steve Johnson. @PGATOUR if you’re truly serious about supporting the @lpga and growing the game these two morons won’t have a voice anymore! https://t.co/2hvZoBE4Tn
— Karrie Webb (@Karrie_Webb) May 29, 2019
Unacceptable! https://t.co/5LvSPe5muh
— Annika Sorenstam (@ANNIKA59) May 29, 2019
