Zach Johnson, longtime caddie defend 'humbled' Kuchar's character

Zach Johnson and longtime caddie John Wood defended Matt Kuchar's character through tweets on Saturday, both recognizing his recent comments as a mistake and not a defining moment.

"After reading (Kuchar's) statement attached, there is no doubt in my mind this is the Kuch we all know and love," Johnson said. "He has clearly been humbled, but his true heart and character surfaces."

Kuchar apologized on Friday for comments made justifying the $5,000 payment to fill-in caddie David Ortiz after winning the Mayakoba Golf Classic in November.

"A high integrity man is one who owns up to their mistakes, learns from them, asks for forgiveness, and takes the necessary steps to change," Johnson added.

Wood - Kuchar's regular caddie who was unable to carry the bag for the event in Mexico - doesn't feel people should "crucify (Kuchar) for one mistake."

"I don’t understand the need to tear down a guy who has spent his career trying to uphold the game and himself to some pretty high standards," Wood said. "Nobody’s perfect. All we can do when a mistake is made is reconsider, apologize, and make amends."

Kuchar also spoke Saturday morning after his second round at the Genesis Open, adding to his apology.

"Listen, I was stubborn, hard-headed," Kuchar said, according to ESPN's Bob Harig. "In my mind, I had it as a deal is a deal, but after I won the tournament, a deal wasn't a deal. Not a good deal."

In an effort to make things right, Kuchar made sure Ortiz received the full total he requested and also donated money back to the Mayakoba Golf Classic to benefit surrounding communities.