( CNN ) -- `` It 's a long-time habit I 've got to try to conquer , '' admits rising star Keegan Bradley , as he confesses to breaking one of golf 's biggest taboos . He 's not talking about overcoming a problem with drugs , gambling or alcohol , nor is the American going through a personal or professional crisis . No , the 25-year-old , who won his first major title in 2011 , has a big issue building up in the back of his throat . `` I 'd like to apologize for my spitting , '' the PGA Championship winner wrote on micro-blogging site Twitter . `` It 's like a reflex ; I do n't even know I 'm doing it . '' In some cultures , expectoration is not uncommon . But on the golf course , it 's a massive no-no and such behavior often sparks outrage . Tiger Woods was fined for a similar transgression in a European Tour event in 2011 , and golf coach and broadcaster Denis Pugh took exception to Bradley 's repeated hocking during last weekend 's Northern Trust Open . Winner Haas skips friend 's wedding for fourth Tour triumph . The tension seemed to get to the 25-year-old , who spat repeatedly during his pre-shot routine while engaged in a three-man playoff eventually won by Bill Haas . `` Perhaps it 's a cultural thing , OK to spit in USA ? If so how did you let that happen America ? '' Pugh wrote on Twitter . `` In USA where & when is spitting not appropriate ? Church ? Dinner table ? Ladies present ? Full view of hd tv camera ? There must be a time not 2do ? '' Pugh orchestrated a campaign directed at one of Bradley 's sponsors , equipment maker Cleveland Golf , who at first defended their player . `` We support Keegan whether he spits or not ! '' the company countered , before explaining that the player chews sunflower seeds `` and they have to go somewhere . '' Then they got light-hearted about it : `` We do n't have the licensing agreement for his saliva ! '' However , the public pressure told as Cleveland subsequently issued a statement on Facebook admitting that maybe Bradley had some improvements to make . `` We proudly stand by Keegan , as we have since he was on the Hooters Tour , '' the world No . 19 's sponsor said . `` We know that he has a few quirks during his pre-shot routine , just like a lot of us , and he 's working very hard to overcome the spitting . We look forward to seeing Keegan in a Cleveland visor for many years to come . '' Pugh , who once coached former European No . 1 Colin Montgomerie , accepted the apologies and called Bradley `` classy '' for admitting his behavior was wrong . `` He 's actually a good man , his coach & I are good pals , '' wrote Pugh , who now works with European Ryder Cup players Edoardo and Francesco Molinari of Italy . After watching the conclusion to Sunday 's tournament , Pugh tweeted : `` Pro golf has some serious issues at moment and PGA Tour is turning a blind eye . '' `` ( PGA Tour commissioner ) Tim Fincham must do something about slow play and spitting . '' But his was not a view shared by all golf lovers . Cleveland 's Facebook post also attracted a host of comments supporting Bradley , with one saying : `` Spitting is not a big deal . His pre-shot routine is quite quirky , but it works for him . He 's won on Tour and will continue to win for quite some time . '' Other users agreed . `` Do n't fix what 's not broken , it works , '' read one comment , while another said , `` He 's a heck of a young player and conducts himself with grace . '' Woods , arguably still golf 's biggest star despite his fall from grace in the past two years , fell foul of the sport 's disfavor for phlegm in February 2011 during a frustrating final day at the Dubai Desert Classic . The 14-time major champion was fined for a breach of conduct after being spotted spitting on the 12th green . `` The Euro Tour is right , '' said Woods , who also used Twitter to express his regret 12 months ago . `` It was inconsiderate to spit like that and I know better . Just was n't thinking and want to say I 'm sorry . ''
U.S. golfer Keegan Bradley attracts criticism for spitting on the golf course . The incident occurred during a practice round at the PGA Championship in Augusta, Georgia, last week. His sponsors Cleveland Golf leap to his defense , saying they will stand by him . Tiger Woods was fined by the European Tour last year for spitting .