Stephenson's controversial comments to Golf Magazine about "Asians killing our tour" were made public Friday. She weathered the initial storm by attempting to clarify, but not retract, her words.

After realizing the depth of her mistake, she issued an apology yesterday to everyone from the Asian community to her LPGA colleagues and "anyone offended by these comments."

"I need to do whatever it takes to get everyone to realize I really, really regret this," Stephenson said. "I'm going to regret it for the rest of my life."

Stephenson is playing in the Turtle Bay Championship this weekend. A sponsor's exemption allowed the 51-year-old Australian to become the first woman in an official Champions Tour senior (50 and older) golf event. Her 30-year LPGA career has been highlighted by 16 titles, including three majors.

She considered this tournament an opportunity to promote women's golf, specifically the Women's Senior Golf Tour, and help women her age take their game "to the next level."

"The girls my age told me to show my personality because 'you're reflecting us,' " Stephenson said. "I was pretty excited that I was going to be the one to do it. I hope I haven't destroyed it all."

Stephenson said one marshal criticized her yesterday but mostly the golf course was a place of refuge. When she teed off in the morning, only 11 people followed. One was from Hawai'i.

"To me it's not a big deal," said Dennis Ching, a 16-handicapper from Pearlridge. "I think in Hawai'i people don't take that stuff so seriously."

Before her round, Stephenson went on The Golf Channel to apologize: "I realize my mistake," she said. "I'm human. I'm a very outspoken person and when you do that you sometimes put your foot in it. It's taught me a lesson — a big lesson."

She also agreed with Annika Sorenstam's analysis that Stephenson's statement was "pathetic." Stephenson went on to chide herself for criticizing a specific racial group and taking away from the opportunity she had this week.

"The Champions Tour has been so fantastic," she said. "The Turtle Bay Championship was so nice to invite me. The guys have been so good, so classy.

"It's taken away from something that is a life experience for me that I'm going to take from my career as one of the most important and fun things I've ever done. Because of my mistake, I've taken something I'll never get a chance to do again and ruined it."

Stephenson shot a 12-over 84 yesterday and was at 20-over 164 entering today's final round. She is 79th in the 80-player field. Tom Kite leads the tournament at 6-under 138.

Next Sunday, Stephenson and Punahou freshman Michelle Wie are scheduled to participate in a benefit clinic at Ko Olina.

Reach Ann Miller at amiller@honoluluadvertiser.com or 525-8043.

From Jan Stephenson, Oct. 11, 2003:

"I would like to express my deepest apologies to the Asian community for my comments regarding the article in Golf Magazine. By no means did I intend to hurt anyone nor were the statements racially motivated. I clearly understand how these comments could be taken as racial comments, and for that I am truly sorry. I value those relationships which I have both personally and professionally with individuals that are either Asian or of Asian descent.

"The interview was conducted with a controversial undertone, and understanding that, I should have been more aware of the volatility and the potential negativity it would bring. After hearing the statement read back to me prior to the release of it, I requested that the editor reword that portion. Once again, I was wrong in making these comments, and I know I must be more responsible with my thoughts and/or comments when giving an interview.

"I am sorry to the LPGA players that are hurt by these comments, and I ask for your forgiveness. I have spent 30 years of my life on this tour, and it has become my life. The LPGA has been my family and I have given this tour and this family everything I have to give. As in life, there are ups and downs, and I sincerely hope you can find it in your hearts to forgive me and to move forward from this.