Donald apologizes for Twitter blunder

Luke Donald of England tees off on the fourth hole during the third round of the Deutsche Bank Championship at TPC Boston on September 2, 2012 in Norton, Massachusetts. AFP

NORTON, Massachusetts –  Luke Donald has apologized for criticizing golf course architect Gil Hanse in a tweet that was meant to be private.

Donald made bogey on the par-5 18th hole at the TPC Boston, where Hanse reconfigured the green with severe slopes off the edges. He thought he was sending a direct message Saturday night, but instead the very public tweet started with Donald’s cell phone number and then said, “Gil Hanse is a (expletive). Haha.”

Within minutes, Donald deleted both tweets.

Donald said it was a mistake that he takes full responsibility. He apologized Sunday to anyone offended, starting with Hanse.

He also received countless phone calls after he published his number. Donald said, “That’s what I deserve.”