Any spectators that attempt to distract Tiger Woods at The Open in July will be ejected from the Home of Golf.
Fans to be removed from tournament for taunting Tiger
Any spectators that attempt to distract Tiger Woods at The Open in July will be ejected from the Home of Golf, it was announced on Tuesday.
After revealing he was "absolutely certain" that Woods would compete at the event, Royal and Ancient Club chief executive Peter Dawson was asked about the possible reaction from the crowd to the world number one's sex scandal.
And while final talks with police over the required security level are still to take place, Dawson was adamant taunting would not be tolerated.
Ejected
"We are not in a police state and people can say what they like, but if they start putting players off we have to take steps," said Dawson.
"They will be asked to stop and if they don't stop they will be asked to leave."
Woods was widely well-received at The Masters three weeks ago and tight security meant there was no disruption from spectators.
Dawson is not expecting any big problems because Woods will have played a few more events by the time of the tournament, but did add, "I could be wrong".
Dawson and chairman of the championship committee Michael Brown have chosen not to criticise Woods as the Augusta National chairman did on the eve of their competition.
"Because it was the first event back Billy Payne had a decision to make and having made that decision I thought he did it well. It was very measured and well-crafted," said Dawson.
"I hope the game can put it (the expose of Woods' long string of affairs) behind us.
"It came as a great shock. I did describe myself as Tiger's biggest fan and I'm not going to get into his personal life - I just think it's very sad that what has happened has happened and I am sure he is too."
Woods' on-course demeanour was also under close scrutiny at Augusta and his temper occasionally flared, despite his vows to watch his behaviour.
Deteriorated
Dawson said the American's manner had "clearly deteriorated", adding: "I am sure that when he looked at the pictures he was not happy with it either.
"But it's difficult to understand how much a player of his level has to psyche himself up."
If Woods does enter, he will be competing for an unprecedented third consecutive victory at St Andrews.
