Golfweek apologizes for noose cover

ORLANDO, Fla., Jan. 18 (UPI) -- Golfweek magazine issued an apology Friday for displaying a noose on its cover to illustrate a controversial comment a TV announcer made about Tiger Woods.

The magazine also fired its editor

"We apologize for creating this graphic cover that received extreme negative reaction from consumers, subscribers and advertisers across the country," a statement from the magazine said.

The noose depicted a flap that followed a comment by the Golf Channel's Kelly Tilghman during the Mercedes-Benz championship Jan. 4. Tilghman and broadcast partner Nick Faldo were discussing how young golfers might challenge Woods' dominance on the PGA Tour and Tilghman used the phrase "lynch him in a back alley," CNN reported.

Tilghman apologized and was suspended for two weeks. Woods's agent issued a statement that called the matter a "non-issue." It said Woods considered Tilghman a friend and "there was no ill intent in her comment."

A headline with the picture in Golfweek's Jan. 19 issue says: "Caught in a noose. Tilghman slips up, and Golf Channel can't wriggle free."

Jeff Babineau, who has been with the magazine for nine years, was named editor, replacing Dave Seanor, who was fired.