GULLANE (Scotland), July 15: Tiger Woods, hot favourite for this week’s British Open at Muirfield, had his preparations upset when a security guard refused him entry to the practice ground Monday because he was not showing his player’s credentials.

The 2000 champion, who is gunning for the third leg of a unique grand slam here after winning this year’s U.S. Masters and U.S. Open, arrived for practice at 6.30am (0530 GMT) before any other player.

But a spokesman for the course security company said he was later denied entry to the practice ground after a preparation round.

“It wasn’t because he wasn’t recognised, it was because he wasn’t showing his player’s identity badge,” he said.

“We don’t allow anyone entry without that whether you’re David Beckham or Tiger Woods. If he shows up again tomorrow without his badge we’ll deny him entry again. I reckon he won’t make the mistake again.”

Woods was not available for comment afterwards. He is one of the most famous sportsmen in the world with eight major titles already under his belt.—Reuters