Golfer Stephenson Apologizes to Asians

Jan Stephenson issued a written apology to the Asian community on Saturday for criticizing Asian female golfers in a magazine article.

Stephenson said in a story for the November issue of Golf magazine that top-earning Asian players are “killing” the LPGA Tour by not making themselves more available for promotional purposes. She criticized them for playing tournaments and then leaving without talking to the media.

“After hearing the statement read back to me prior to the release of it, I requested that the editor reword that portion,” said Stephenson, 51, who became the first woman to play on the Champions Tour on Friday.

“By no means did I intend to hurt anyone nor were the statements racially motivated,” Stephenson said in her statement. “I clearly understand how these comments could be taken as racial comments, and for that I am truly sorry.”