Elkington blasted for helicopter tweet

Australian golfer Steve Elkington has been widely condemned after making a vile joke in the immediate aftermath of Friday’s tragic accident in Glasgow.

Upon hearing the news that a police helicopter had crashed into the Clutha Vaults pub in the city, the 1995 PGA champion tweeted: “Helicopter crashes into Scottish pub… Locals report no beer was spilled.”

Twitter users were quick to round on the 50-year-old for his idiotic remark, which he soon deleted. He later attempted to defend himself, insisting that he had not been aware of the severity of the accident, which has so far claimed the lives of nine people.

Despite all that, however, he stopped short of apologising for the tweet. In reply to a message from top Scottish sportswriter Tom English, he did say: “I know you want more… I’m sorry”, although that tweet also later mysteriously vanished.

Not surprisingly, many were quick to slam Elkington for his crass insensitivity.

“Don’t really know him but after Birkdale and Glasgow comments, don’t want to #sadman” – Paul Lawrie

Former Guardian golf correspondent Lawrence Donegan tweeted: “You really are a lowlife, Elkington. May God ensure you rot in hell.”

Fellow Scottish golf writer John Huggan added: “For those who have not yet figured it out… @elkpga is one odious human being #blockhim”

Even Elkington’s fellow pros criticised him for his stupidity. Alerted to the remark by a Twitter user, Ryder Cup hero Ian Poulter replied: “Not surprised, Elkington is a penis.”

Another Ryder Cup star, Paul Lawrie said: “Don’t really know him but after Birkdale and Glasgow comments, don’t want to #sadman”

Lawrie was referring to another incident involving Elkington from this year’s Senior British Open.

During the championship, he posted a series of contemptible, borderline racist tweets about the host venue Royal Birkdale and Southport, the town the course is in. He subsequently required a police escort to play the third round of the tournament.

Elkington’s tweet – your reactions

What did you make of Steve Elkington’s tweet about the helicopter crash in Glasgow? Leave your thoughts in our ‘Comments’ section below.

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Michael McEwan is the Deputy Editor of bunkered and has been part of the team since 2004. In that time, he has interviewed almost every major figure within the sport, from Jack Nicklaus, to Rory McIlroy, to Donald Trump. The host of the multi award-winning bunkered Podcast and a member of Balfron Golfing Society, Michael is the author of three books and is the 2023 PPA Scotland 'Writer of the Year' and 'Columnist of the Year'. Dislikes white belts, yellow balls and iron headcovers. Likes being drawn out of the media ballot to play Augusta National.

Deputy Editor

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