Hideki Matsuyama's 'Idiot' for Putter Slam, Rants Ian Poulter

Hideki Matsuyama apologized to fellow professional golfer Ian Poulter over the weekend after the Englishman went berserk on Twitter, calling the Japanese rookie an "idiot" for slamming his putter into the green at the WGC-Cadillac Championship in Doral, Fla.

Poulter, 38, went off on the 22-year-old Matsuyama on social media Saturday, a day after the golfer drudged up the green with his putter during the second round of the competition and continued on without repairing it.

Why should Matsuyama leave a crater in the green for others to putt over, or have to call a referee to repair the damage. Idiot.

— Ian Poulter (@IanJamesPoulter) March 8, 2014

Im no saint & first to say. But that was disgusting. I wouldn't bury a putter in a green 5 ft from a hole & have players behind deal with it

— Ian Poulter (@IanJamesPoulter) March 8, 2014

I can't wait to. @Lainger66 are you going to speak to him like a man or just blast him on twitter like all the other keyboard warriors?”

— Ian Poulter (@IanJamesPoulter) March 8, 2014

So you can write a story about an overrated golfer who actually won something. Donut @DaleConcannon

— Ian Poulter (@IanJamesPoulter) March 8, 2014

@IanJamesPoulter Donut? Seriously Ian, have you ever met an 'over-rated' major winner? No, thought not. Great angle for a story though..

— DaleConcannon (@DaleConcannon) March 8, 2014

The golfers made up before Saturday's tee-off, though, when Matsuyama apologized to Poulter.

Urgent: Do You Approve Or Disapprove of President Obama's Job Performance? Vote Now in Urgent Poll

"At the time, I didn't think I did it so strong, making the divot on the green," Matsuyama told Japanese reporters in a statement that were translated, according to ESPN. "Upsetting the players behind me means I did it. I was not careful enough. I need to be more careful about etiquette and manners in the future."

Patrick Reed ultimately won the WGC-Cadillac Championship on Saturday. Matsuyama tied for 34th place while Poulter tied for 52nd.

Related Stories:

• Dufnering Victory: PGA Champion Jason Dufner Sparked Meme Before Winning Major Golf Title
  
• Holly Sonders, 'Morning Drive' Anchor, Is Golf Digest's 'Cover Girl'
  
• Cheyenne Woods, Tiger's Niece, Replicates Nike Golf Trick Shot