Bryson DeChambeau has apologised for his infamous 'Augusta is a par 67 for me' comments as he prepares to participate in this year's Masters.
The 31-year-old will be hoping to win the tournament for the first time, despite facing competition from the likes of Scottie Scheffler and Rory McIlroy.
Back in 2020, prior to that year's Masters, DeChambeau controversially claimed that he thought Augusta was a 'par-67 for me because I can reach all the par fives in two'.
Now, speaking to The Irish Independent, the American has admitted he regrets his comments - and acknowledges they were 'disrespectful'.
Bryson DeChambeau has apologised for his infamous 'Augusta is a par 67 for me' comments as he prepares to participate in this year's Masters
GETTY
“I’ve always since said I don’t regret saying that 67 thing, because I learnt from that experience and it made me a better person," he said.
"But do I wish I hadn’t said it? I do. Really, I do.
"Because it impacted some people negatively and I don’t want that, no matter how much of a benefit it might have been to me maturing.
“I can see that it was disrespectful to some and I’m sorry for that.
JUST IN: Pep Guardiola lets rip at Man United fans after vile chants about Phil Foden's mum - 'Lack of class'
"Boy, it was a humbling experience. But for me it was simply from a statistical viewpoint and yardages and looking at, if I’m playing well, I could or should be hitting the greens in two or whatever.
“It was motivation for myself and not intended as anything otherwise.
"I’ve never disrespected Augusta internally. It’s the one I want to win.
"I stand there on the range and hit shots into the sun as it’s going down and I think to myself, ‘this is heaven, imagine being a part of this history’.
READ MORE: Novak Djokovic reveals new coach after admitting he 'has no idea' where Andy Murray is
Bryson DeChambeau finished sixth at last year's Masters
GETTY
"And I think I will one day, because I have to think that.
"If I do, and when I do, it will be the proudest moment of my career.”
Since those comments, DeChambeau has struggled at the Masters.
He has finished in a tie for 46th while also missing two successive cuts.
LATEST SPORTS NEWS:
Last year, however, he was able to tie for sixth.
On that achievement, the golf star added: “It was some of the most fun I’ve ever had in golf.
"I have no problem in saying that 100 per cent I believed I could win when I went out with the lead on the Saturday [after shooting an opening 65].
"I even thought I would win. And if a few things had gone my way, then who knows? I knew I could play the course, but this was a bit of proof.”
Bryson DeChambeau has admitted that securing Masters glory would mean the world to him
GETTY
DeChambeau is eager for glory, that much is clear. And he says that winning the Masters would mean so much more to him compared to other tournaments.
“It would do, no doubt about it, and that is the goal for next week," he continued when asked if a Masters title would 'thrust his global ambition'.
"It would certainly mean a lot more to me than just coming first in a golf tournament."
