Justin Thomas says homophobic slur 'not me' and gets Rory McIlroy's support

• It's humiliating, it's embarrassing,' says world No 3
• McIlroy says: He made a big mistake and owned up to it'

A remorseful Justin Thomas has reflected on his humiliating" and embarrassing" homophobic outburst upon missing a recent putt on the PGA Tour. Ralph Lauren, one of Thomas's main sponsors, announced last week it has ended its relationship with the golfer because of the incident.

Thomas, minus shirt branding, will compete in the European Tour's Abu Dhabi Championship this weekend. Speaking at length for the first time about his offensive comment at the Tournament of Champions, the 27-year-old did admit he hoped to maintain his Ralph Lauren connection. The company, clearly, had other ideas.