Tiger Woods blasts fan who shouted “Free Palestine” at British Open

Tiger Woods hit out at a heckler who attempted to put him off his final tee shot at The British Open by twice shouting out “Free Palestine”.

The spectator, who was sitting in a hospitality box, was ejected from the course at Carnoustie after twice yelling ‘Free Palestine!’ as the American was going through his backswing on the 18th hole.

The 42-year-old, who was bidding for his first major win in ten years, had led midway through his final round, though dropped his club and shouted out ‘no’ when the fan yelled at him during his final tee shot.

The 14-time Major champion said: “I flinched, but I’ve had things like that happen a lot in my career with people who just tried to time it. Either that, or they’re a little bit over-served (with drink). They tipped back a few and it’s late in the day.

“Unfortunately, that’s part of what we have to deal with in today’s game. People are trying to yell out things to try to be on TV or be in social media or whatever it may be. But that was too close to affecting the game of play.”

Woods finished three shots behind champion and playing partner Francesco Molinari, though is still in the world’s top-50 after finishing the weekend’s tournament in joint-sixth.