Tiger Woods fined after Firestone outburst

Tiger Woods will be fined by the PGA Tour for his public criticism of a rules official after winning the Bridgestone Invitational on Sundy.

An official spoke on condition of anonymity because the tour does not publicise fines.

Woods had spoken out after his four-shot victory because he and Padraig Harrington were put on the clock at the par-5 16th. He said that caused Harrington to rush three difficult shots, leading to a triple bogey.

Referee John Paramor informed Woods and Harrington they were being timed and afterwards, the American said he told his opponent: "I'm sorry that John got in the way of a great battle."

Section VI-D in the PGA Tour's player handbook says: "It is an obligation of membership to refrain from comments to the news media that unreasonably attack or disparage tournaments, sponsors, fellow members, players, or PGA Tour."

Paramor said the final pairing was well behind most of the back nine and were eventually put on the clock when they were still 17 minutes out of position on the 16th tee.

"I don't think that Paddy would have played that way if he was able to take his time," Woods said. "But he had to get up there quickly and hit his shots."

Harrington conceded he was rushed, although he said it would be unfair to give the final group preferential treatment.

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