Kuchar says he learned from caddy controversy

Matt Kuchar returned to Mexico this week as the defending champion of the Mayakoba Golf Classic, still defending — and explaining how he made amends for — his actions in the 2018 tournament.

As a reminder, Kuchar’s win at the Mayakoba was his first in almost four years. But he was roundly criticized when he paid local caddy David (El Tucan) Ortiz just $5,000. Tour caddies typically get 10 per cent of the winner’s share of the purse, which in this case was nearly $1.3 million.

Kuchar later sent Ortiz an additional $45,000 and made donations to local charities. The golfer’s regular caddy, John Wood, was unable to make the trip to Mexico.

In the pre-tournament news conference on Tuesday in Playa del Carmen, Mexico, Kuchar addressed the situation.

“I know what happened post-tournament with David is something I’m not proud of, made some headlines that certainly I’m definitely not proud of, but I’ve done my best to make amends, to make things right with David, to do things right by the community,” said Kuchar, per Golf.com. “I’ve tried to use this opportunity to learn from my mistakes, to grow, to try to learn and be better.”

He and Ortiz have made up, Kuchar said.

One of the worst parts, he said, was the impact it had on his family, especially his grandmother.

“That was a tough thing on me and my family, but it was really tough when I heard from my grandmother and she’s reading headlines about her grandson,” he said. “I think I’ve always tried to make her proud. I’ve got kids of my own, you try to set a good example. I’m disappointed in myself. It’s a moment I’m not proud of.”

Kuchar, 41, opens his title defence Thursday. He’s paired with Tony Finau and Mexico’s favourite son, Abraham Ancer.