Tiger Woods has been fined an undisclosed amount for spitting on a green during the final round of the Dubai Desert Classic on Sunday.
Woods was blatantly seen by television viewers spitting on the 12th green in a clear breach of the European Tour’s code of conduct, with a clip of the incident appearing on video-sharing website YouTube.
Tournament director Mike Stewart reviewed the incident and decided that the former world number one and 14-time Major champion had broken the rules.
“Consequently Tiger Woods will be fined,” a statement from the European Tour released on Monday confirmed.
It was not the first time Woods was caught spitting during this year’s tournament in Dubai and he was also heard swearing as he failed to end his near 15-month trophy famine.
Woods ended the competition with a final round 75 to finish in 20th place behind winner Alvaro Quiros of Spain.
Woods apologised later Monday in a Twitter message.
“The Euro Tour is right — it was inconsiderate to spit like that and I know better. Just wasn’t thinking and I want to say I’m sorry,” Woods wrote in a message posted on the micro-blogging site.
“Everyone was terrific all week, fans especially. Dubai is always a fantastic host. Just wish the week could have ended better.” — Sapa-AFP