Woods fined for spitting

GOLF:TIGER WOODS is to be fined for his spitting on a green during the Dubai Desert Classic – almost a year after he spoke of the need to "make my behaviour more respectful of the game".

The former world number one was found guilty of a breach of the European Tour’s code of conduct.

The amount of the fine has not been made public, but the range for minor breaches of the code is from €300 to €12,000 – small change, of course, for a man who was paid a reported €2.1 million to appear in the event.

Woods apologised yesterday, commenting on Twitter: “The Euro Tour is right – it was inconsiderate to spit like that and I know better. Just wasn’t thinking and want to say I’m sorry.”

Woods has seven days following notification to appeal should he so choose, but on the day Scotland’s Elliot Saltman decided not to appeal against his three-month ban for incorrectly replacing his ball golf’s biggest star is likely to follow suit.

And perhaps Woods should count himself lucky if he avoids further punishment in a Dubai court.

Anyone who spits in public in the United Arab Emirates can be fined around €120 – and there was even a government campaign about it three years ago. “Spitting in public areas is something llamas do. You are different – don’t spit in public areas,” said one of the advertisements.

Ewen Murray, the lead golf commentator of Sky Sports, drew the attention of viewers to what Woods did close to the 12th hole after missing a par putt. “You look at his work ethic and he is a credit to the game and an inspiration to all of those who are trying to become professional golfers,” said Murray.

“But there are some parts of him that are just arrogant and petulant. Somebody now has to come behind him and maybe putt over his spit. It does not get much lower than that.”

Murray had also called his spitting on the second tee during the second round “one of the ugliest things you will ever see on a golf course”.

Woods was heard swearing as well as he failed to end almost 15 months without a victory. Only one shot off the lead entering the final day, the 14-time major champion slumped to 20th spot with a closing 75 – his worst ever score in a regular European Tour event in his professional career.

Woods has now gone 17 tournaments without a win for the first time since he left the amateur ranks in 1996.