Calcavecchia apologies to Palmer

Arnold Palmers has received a written apology from outspoken former Open champion Mark Calcavecchia.

And Calcavecchia intends to say sorry personally after his outburst encouraging the legend of golf to quit playing the US Masters.

"I should never have opened my mouth," said Calcavecchia, eating a Desperate Dan size portion of humble pie.

The 38-year-old American admitted: "I was out of line saying what I did. I will learn from it because I had no right to say it. We're talking about Arnold Palmer here."

Calcavecchia, who collected his only Major championship a decade ago by defeating Australians Greg Norman and Wayne Grady in a play-off at Royal Troon, upset the world of golf during US Masters week when he said it was time for Palmer to call it a day.

He said: "Arnold still loves to play golf, but there's no point being out there if you shoot 83-84. You have to end it, don't you." But then he added: "I would love to see him play great, but he will probably be playing at Augusta until he can't walk any more."

Calcavecchia regretted his comments the moment he saw them in print, and added: "I have written a letter of apology. "From what I understand he has accepted it, but when I see him again, I will apologise in person."

TRW