TADD FUJIKAWA has become the first openly gay male professional golfer.
The American, 27, wrote a heartfelt Instagram post announcing his sexuality.
His message read: "So... I'm gay. Many of you may have already known that.
"I don't expect everyone to understand or accept me. But please be gracious enough to not push your beliefs on me or anyone in the LGBTQ community.
"My hope is this post will inspire each and every one of you to be more empathetic and loving towards one another.
"I've been back and forth for a while about opening up about my sexuality. I thought that I didn't need to come out because it doesn't matter if anyone knows.
Tiger Woods describes how proud he is to be back in Ryder Cup USA playing team after six years out"But I remember how much other's stories have helped me in my darkest times to have hope.
"I spent way too long pretending, hiding, and hating who I was. I was always afraid of what others would think/say.
"I've struggled with my mental health for many years because of that and it put me in a really bad place.
"Now I'm standing up for myself and the rest of the LGBTQ community in hopes of being an inspiration and making a difference in someone's life."
*SWIPE LEFT* INSTAGRAM vs. REALITY. BUTT IN MY FACE...REALLY? SO RUUUUDE! LMAO! #lmao #stilllovehim #smile #selfie #asian #brother #love #family #home #hawaii #georgia #instagramvsreality
Fujikawa, who was born in Honolulu, Hawaii, shot to prominence when he qualified for the US Open at the age of 16.
Big things were expected from Fujikawa after he made the cut in the PGA Tour's Sony Open at the same age.
But his world ranking has plummeted to number 2,042 despite winning the Hawaii State Open last year.