COSTLY REMARKS : Strange Is Fined for On-Camera Comments at PGA Tournament

Curtis Strange was fined for on-course, on-camera remarks directed at a photographer during the PGA championship, the PGA Tour said Tuesday.

The announcement of the fine was made by PGA Tour Commissioner Deane Beman at Strange’s request, the Tour said. It is Tour policy not to make public disciplinary action against players.

The amount of the fine was not disclosed.

The action came as a result of Strange’s comments while playing the 12th hole in the final round of the PGA championship at Hawthorn Woods, Ill., Aug. 13.

Strange, the U.S. Open champion and the Tour’s leading money-winner three of the last four years, was in contention for the PGA title when he was seen and heard on television cursing an off-camera source.

Strange, in a statement released by the Tour, said the remarks were directed at a photographer, not the gallery.

“Contrary to what was reported on television (at the time), my outburst was not directed to the gallery,” Strange’s statement said.

“A photographer who should have known better snapped his camera while I was addressing my ball. I backed off the shot, looked at him and said, ‘Give me a break.’

“Then in the middle of my swing, he snapped another picture which caused me to flinch and shove my shot to the right of the green.

“Needless to say, my adrenaline was flowing and hence my outburst.

“This does not justify what I said. I am truly sorry and I have learned from this regrettable experience. I want my two sons to know that their dad can see he made a mistake, admit it, and grow from it.”

Strange, who tied for second in the PGA, also offered apologies for his on-camera remarks.

“I want to express my sincere apologies for my language . . . No excuse can justify my outburst and nobody feels as badly as I do.

“Athletes who are in the public eye have a responsibility to conduct themselves in a manner which can set a positive example. In this instance, I failed,” his statement said.