Tiger Woods was delighted to shoot a three under par 69 in his first Major Championship this season but then took a swipe at Royal Liverpool spectators for their inconsiderate use of mobile phones.

It was during the 2006 Open Championship at Royal Liverpool where the use of mobile phones was out of control so much so the R & A, as organizers of golf’s oldest Major, banned the use of phones for the 2007 Open Championship at Carnoustie.

Tiger Woods battles mobile phones on route to a three under par 69. (Photo – www.golffile.ie)

However the R & A seeing the benefit of modern phone technology re-introduced the use of smarter mobile phones for the 2012 Open Championship at Royal Lytham and St. Annes.

But even then there was problems with security staff walking with Woods and players like Rory McIlroy spending much of the round asking patrons to put their phones away.

Now the 14-time Major winning Woods has put the emphasis back on the R & A to better ‘police’ the use of phones.

“It was just unfortunate people just don’t put their phones on silent and some of the professional guys were getting on the trigger a little early,” he said.

“So if they just put them on silent.  Just put them on silent.”

Of course, what was taking place out on the Royal Liverpool is nothing compared to when Woods has competed out in China and as the 14-time Major winner admitted he’s got used to the distraction.

“I’ve had numerous years out dealing with this,” he said.

“There’s a lot of moving parts out there.  And you’ve just got to stay focused and plod your way around.”

There was also the sight in the afternoon of fellow Masters winner Bubba Watson clearly raising his hand to his ear in a telephone like manner after being distracted by a mobile phone on the second hole.

However Watson, who is contesting his sixth Open Championship, bizarrely denied the gesture.

“No, they obviously are not watching it closely, because I never made that gesture at all.”

The R & A later issued a formal statement in response to the comments of Woods asking Royal Liverpool patrons to put their mobile phones on silent mode.