Woods calls time on mobile phone pest

Tiger Woods made no apology for losing his cool with a fan during the first round of the Nissan Open in Los Angeles.

The world No 1 three-putted from only six feet on the 17th to fall seven shots adrift of the leader Fred Funk after the opening day at Riviera Country Club.

He blamed it on a mobile phone going off as he attempted his four-foot par putt. "Turn off the goddam phone," said Woods not once but twice, playing partner Robert Damron having suffered the same disturbance to his concentration.

After parring the last for a one-over 72, the Masters and US Open champion commented: "He should not have had it on. Period. As simple as that." At least caddie Steve Williams didn't get his hands on it. At the Skins Game, Williams threw a man's camera into a pond after he clicked on Woods' backswing.

Woods record two bogeys in his last four holes here as the wind eased, but was philosophical. "I didn't hit it bad and if I can just clean it up I'll be alright," he added. "The conditions made it a long, tough day."

Colin Montgomerie managed only a four-over 75 in his first tournament round since mid-December on the course where he lost a play-off for the 1995 US PGA championship.

Darren Clarke was far happier with a level par 71 – good enough for a share of 17th spot overnight – and Luke Donald matched Woods' 72, but the round of the day unquestionably belonged to Funk.

The 46-year-old from Florida, who had his best season ever last year, is three clear of Nick Price, Steve Elkington and Jeff Sluman.

"I didn't drive it particularly well, but over the first 11 holes, that's as good as I can putt," said Funk, who had only 23 putts.