US OPEN champion Dustin Johnson has received an apology over the row that marred his final round.
The American won his first major championship by three shots but was penalised one stroke following a bizarre sequence of events.
Tournament organisersthe USGA were blasted by Rory McIlroy and Tiger Woods among others for telling Johnson he faced a penalty during his final round.
USGAchiefseventually decided he caused his ball to move while standing over a six-foot putt for par on the fifth hole.
But atthe time of the infraction, Johnson was informed there would be no penalty and he made the putt for par.
The matter was left to rest until the 12th tee when an official told him the matter was still under review.
Today, the USGA released a statement, which said:Upon reflectionwe regret the distraction caused by our decision to wait until the end of the round to decide on the ruling.
"It is normal for rulings based on video evidence to await the end of a round, when the matter can be discussed with the player before the score card is returned.
"While our focus on getting the ruling correct was appropriate, we created uncertainty about where players stood on the leader board after we informed Dustin on the 12th tee that his actions on the fifth green might lead to a penalty.
"This created unnecessary ambiguity for Dustin and the other players, as well as spectators on-site, and those watching and listening on television and digital channels.