Tadd Fujikawa, 27, came out as gay on Instagram, and hopes his announcement will help inspire people to show more empathy and love towards each other

Professional golfer Tadd Fujikawa has come out as gay, and may be the first men's pro to do so.

'So...I'm gay,' the 27-year-old announced on Instagram. 'Many of you may have already known that. I don't expect everyone to understand or accept me.

'But please be gracious enough to not push your beliefs on me or anyone in the LGBTQ community. My hope is this post will inspire each and every one of you to be more empathetic and loving towards one another.'

Fujikawa prefaced his announcement by writing, 'Coincidentally, today is world suicide prevention day,' adding that he 'was going to share this regardless.'

According to Golf.com, Fujikawa is the first male professional golfer to come out publicly. The SB National blog 'Outsports' reported that Fujikawa is the first pro to play in the U.S. Open who has come out publicly.

In his only PGA Tour appearance in the past five years, 27-year-old Tadd Fujikawa failed to make the cup at the 2017 Sony Open

Fujikawa had not come out to anyone within the sport, according to Golf.com, but the reaction to his announcement has been positive.

'The love and support have been overwhelming,' he told Golf.com following the announcement. 'I'm so glad that I came out. I can finally be the best version of me.'

As a 16-year old, Fujikawa became the youngest player to ever qualify for the U.S. Open in 2006, although he has struggled since and is currently ranked 2,042 in the world.

In his only PGA Tour appearance in the past five years, Fujikawa failed to make the cup at the 2017 Sony Open.

He did, however, win the Hawaii State open in 2017.

As a 16-year old, Fujikawa became the youngest player to ever qualify for the U.S. Open in 2006, although he has struggled since and is currently ranked 2,042 in the world