R&A On Tiger Hecklers: "We're not a police state here."

Alistair Tait reports on R&A secretary Peter Dawson's comments about the heckling policy at this year's Open Championship.

“As long as it’s not intrusive to the game or the championship, then people can say what they like,” Dawson said after a news conference Tuesday. “We’re not a police state here. But if they (the galleries) start putting players off, then we’ll have something to say about that.”

If they're as tough as they are on cell phone picture takers...Tiger's in for a long week!

Dawson would not emulate Augusta National chairman Billy Payne and chastise Woods. However, he did express sadness at what has transpired for the world's No. 1-ranked golfer.

“Because his was the first event back, he (Payne) had a decision to make (on whether to comment on Tiger). I think having made that decision, Billy’s comments were very measured and well crafted.

That was measured? I'd hate to think what his less measured remarks sounded like.

He had the disadvantage of it being Tiger’s first event back, but that’s a challenge, thank goodness, that we don’t have.”

“I did describe myself as Tiger’s biggest fan, and I remain the biggest fan of his golf game. I’m just very sad at what has happened, and I’m sure he is, on reflection, too.

“There have been a lot of people who said they saw this coming, but I’m not one of them.

Oh which people? Do tell!

It’s been a great shock to all of us in golf, but time has now passed and let’s hope he can return a stronger person. I’m not going to get into people’s private lives.”

No, no, good policy. Little late after you've just talked about it, but better late than never!