The 42-year-old American, who ended the round tied for 146th in the field of 156 after a six-over 78, flew into a rage when Sydney resident Brad Clegg attempted to take the controversial golfer's picture.

At the ninth hole - his last - he walked into a clump of trees where the fan was, snatched the camera and smashed it against the nearest tree, telling the man: 'You want it back, I'll buy you a new one.'

He later defended his outburst, claiming that Mr Clegg got too close. 'I was looking to take a drop and a camera was six inches away from my face. If I was 10 under, I would have felt the same,' he said. 'My eyes are still burning from the flash of the camera.'

This is not the first time zealous fans have upset golfers. At the recent Barclays Singapore Open, world No. 3 Phil Mickelson flinched when a camera went off as he swung his club. The ball ended up in the water.

TIMES OF LONDON, ASSOCIATED PRESS, REUTERS