A spectator at the Phoenix Open who had been heckling Tiger Woods was arrested on Sunday after police discovered a handgun concealed in a bag he wore around his waist, tournament officials said.
The fan was identified by police as Brian Murphy, 40, of Phoenix, who had been following the final threesome, which included Woods, tournament winner Rocco Mediate and Harrison Frazar.
Police said Murphy was yelling at Woods and using abusive language near the sixth tee when a plainclothes security officer, who had also been following the group, told the fan to quiet down. Murphy became belligerent and persisted, even though the officer, Rob Rucker, identified himself as a police officer.
"The guy turned toward him (Rucker) again, started using abusive language and then lunged at the officer," Scottsdale police spokesman Doug Dirren told the US PGA.
"The guy was yelling, `What are you going to do? Arrest me?' and the officer had to subdue him by putting him on the ground."
Murphy was booked on suspicion of aggravated assault, a felony, and misdemeanour disorderly conduct, then released on his own recognisance.
Woods was apparently not aware the man was armed and at no time did the man brandish the weapon in any way, police said.
Mediate won the $3 million tournament by two shots over Justin Leonard. Woods finished three behind the winner.
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