CHASKA, Minn. — Tiger Woods said he was not fined by the PGA Tour for his critical remarks about a rules official putting the last group on the clock at Firestone.
A PGA Tour official told The Associated Press on Monday that the world’s No. 1 player would be fined for his comment. He spoke on condition of anonymity because the tour does not publicize fines.
A section of the PGA Tour 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.”
“I’ve heard from the tour and there’s no fine,” Woods said. “That was an erroneous report.”
Woods was annoyed after his four-shot victory Sunday because he and Padraig Harrington were put on the clock after walking off the tee at the par-5 16th. He said that caused Harrington to rush three difficult shots, leading to triple bogey that effectively ended the tournament.
European Tour chief referee John Paramor told Woods and Harrington they were being timed.
Woods said he told Harrington after it was over, “I’m sorry that John got in the way of a great battle.”
Asked Tuesday if he regretted making the issue personal by calling out Paramor, Woods said, “No. Because he’s the one who did it.”
While the PGA Tour does not discuss fines, spokesman Ty Votaw confirmed that Woods has not been fined.
“The information that was conveyed to the reporter was inaccurate,” Votaw said.
Meanwhile, Woods indicated he would play in the Olympics if golf became part of the program in 2016.
The International Olympic Committee executive board is to meet Thursday in Berlin to recommend two sports for inclusion in the 2016 games. Golf and rugby sevens are considered the favorites.
“If I’m not retired by then, yeah,” Woods said.
Golf has not been part of the Olympics since 1904.
And Harrington gave two thumbs-up to the idea.
“I’d love to be an Olympian. Doesn’t that sound good?” Harrington said. “Imagine us being Olympic athletes. I think it would be fantastic for golf. As a golfer, I would think we have all the credentials to be Olympians.”
Immelman to miss PGA.
Trevor Immelman has withdrawn from the PGA Cham-pionship, which will be the third consecutive major he’s missed with a wrist injury.
The 2008 Masters cham-pion from South Africa is being replaced by Bob Estes. The PGA Championship starts Thursday at Hazeltine National. Immelman missed the U.S. and British opens after injuring his left wrist at the Memorial in June. The Associated Press
