R&A issue warning to Woods hecklers at St Andrews

Royal and Ancient (R&A) chief executive Peter Dawson is 'certain' that Tiger Woods will play in this year's Open Championship at St Andrews, but has warned that anyone attempting to distract the world number one will be ejected from the Home of Golf

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Royal and Ancient (R&A) chief executive Peter Dawson is 'certain' that Tiger Woods will play in the Open Championship at St Andrews, but has warned that anyone attempting to distract him will be ejected from the Home of Golf.

Organisers are still awaiting Woods' entry, but Dawson has no doubt the world number one will attempt to become the first player to win three Opens at St Andrews.

After announcing the lenghtening of St Andrews' 17th 'Road Hole', Dawson also dismissed any extra security issues, adding: "By the time the Open comes around, Tiger's return to the game will be well established.

"The Masters had a major problem in really having no idea what to expect, but we will have the benefit of several Tiger events behind us prior to the Open.

"We will be discussing the whole security position as we always do with the police."

Dawson was asked about the potential reaction to the American's sex scandal and he commented: "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. 

"They will be asked to stop and if they don't stop they will be asked to leave."

"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."

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