“Consequently Tiger Woods will be fined,” said a Tour statement this afternoon.

It was not the only time Woods was caught on camera spitting during the week and he was also heard swearing as he failed to end almost 15 months without a victory.

Only one shot off the lead entering the final day, Woods slumped to 20th spot with a closing 75 – his worst ever score in a regular European Tour event during his professional career.

The 14-time major champion has also now gone 17 tournaments without a win for the first time since he left the amateur ranks in 1996.

Ewen Murray, the lead golf commentator of Sky Sports, drew the attention of viewers to what Woods did close to the 12th hole after missing a par putt.

“You look at his work ethics and he is a credit to the game and an inspiration to all of those who are trying to become professional golfers,” began Murray.

“But there are some parts of him that are just arrogant and petulant. Somebody now has to come behind him and maybe putt over his spit. It does not get much lower than that.”

Murray had also called his spitting on the second tee during the second round “one of the ugliest things you will ever see on a golf course”.

Minor breaches of the Code of Conduct normally lead to a £250 fine, but it can go up to £10,000.

Woods was reported to have received a £1.8m appearance fee to return to the event he won in 2006 and 2008.

He missed it in 2009 following reconstructive knee surgery and then last year was still taking time out from the sport following revelations about his private life.

Murray also criticised Woods for not signing autographs for a group of children after practising on Friday.

“If you are getting paid $3m I don’t think it’s too much to ask to spend 15 to 20 minutes with some of the youngsters,” he said during coverage of the tournament.

The Tour's code of conduct states: ``On becoming a member of the European Tour each person voluntarily submits himself to standards of behaviour and ethical conduct beyond those required of ordinary golfers and members of the public.

“The European Tour has been the hallmark of honesty, fair dealings, courtesy and sportsmanship and each member is bound to honour and uphold that tradition at all times whether on or off the golf course.

“It would be impossible to define exactly the standard of conduct expected from members in all circumstances or to list all acts which would amount to a breach of the code and lead to disciplinary sanctions.

“In most cases common sense should tell the members the standard of behaviour that is required.”