Phil Mickelson just apologized for that crazy US Open putting incident. It was 'not my finest moment.'

NEW YORK (AP) — Phil Mickelson has apologized four days after intentionally violating golf rules by hitting a moving ball on the green at the U.S. Open.

WATCH: Phil Mickelson chases after, hits moving ball on green

In a statement released Wednesday by his representatives, Mickelson admits he should have apologized sooner. He says: "My anger and frustration got the best of me last weekend. I'm embarrassed and disappointed by my actions. It was clearly not my finest moment and I'm sorry."

Mickelson was struggling in the third round when he reached the 13th green. His putt slid past the hole and was headed down and likely off the green when he trotted toward the ball and hit it back and off the hole. He then two-putted, was assessed a two-shot penalty for a 10 on the hole and was allowed to complete his round, shooting 81.

A remarkable sequence on Hole 13, where Phil Mickelson was assessed a two-stroke penalty for hitting a moving ball and ended up making a 10 on the hole. pic.twitter.com/kx6ieYiOGR

— U.S. Open (USGA) (@usopengolf) June 16, 2018

Mickelson cited strategy for his actions Saturday, saying he knew there was a two-stroke penalty but it was better than having to play from off the green.

Phil Mickelson explains that he knew the ball was going off the green, took advantage of the rule knowing the two stroke penalty. Says it was not meant disrespectfully pic.twitter.com/7BO0H8DFLZ

— Born Salty (@cjzero) June 16, 2018

This article was from The Associated Press and was legally licensed through the NewsCred publisher network. Please direct all licensing questions to legal@newscred.com.