Tiger Woods apologized after he was fined an undisclosed sum by the European Tour on Monday for spitting on the green during the final round of the Dubai Desert Classic.

The tour said in a statement that tournament director Mike Stewart reviewed the matter and "feels there has been a breach of the tour code of conduct."

"The Euro Tour is right - it was inconsiderate to spit like that and I know better," Woods said on Twitter. "Just wasn't thinking and want to say I'm sorry".

The tour would not give the amount of the fine but it is probably between $400 and $16,000 for a minor breach.

Woods spit on the 12th hole after missing a par putt on his way to a 3-over 75. He began the final day one shot off the lead but never recovered after making two bogeys in his first three holes.

The 14-time major winner, now ranked No 3, tied for 20th place at 4-under 284. Woods has gone 17 tournaments without a victory for the first time since turning professional in 1996.

Almost a year ago, following a sex scandal that ended his marriage and rocked the golf world, Woods promised to "make my behavior more respectful of the game".

Associated Press

(China Daily 02/16/2011 page23)