Sergio Garcia said Tiger Woods fried chicken remark not racist

LONDON, May 22 (UPI) -- Spanish golfer Sergio Garcia said he was not being racist when suggesting he would serve U.S. golfer Tiger Woods fried chicken if he came over for dinner.

The remark that could be interpreted as a racist jibe is the latest in an ongoing spat between the two golfers since the Players Championship at Sawgrass in Ponte Vedra Beach, Fla., British newspaper The Guardian reported Tuesday.

While on stage at the European Tour's gala players' award dinner Tuesday, Garcia was asked if he would have Woods over for dinner during the upcoming U.S. Open, the newspaper said.

"We will have him round every night," García said. "We will serve fried chicken."

Garcia left the event before clarifying his remarks, but later issued a statement, The Guardian reported.

"I apologize for any offence that may have been caused by my comment on stage during The European Tour Players' Awards dinner. I answered a question that was clearly made towards me as a joke with a silly remark, but in no way was the comment meant in a racist manner," he said.