The way it’s going lately, it can’t be a major championship unless someone calls in to report a rules violation.

The controversy over Tiger Woods’ incorrect drop shot at last month’s Masters intensified when the unnamed “TV viewer” who phoned tournament organisers to flag the discrepancy was revealed as David Eger, one of the most respected rules officials in the game.

Tiger Woods will have to create history to win a fifth Masters title, but tournament officials at Augusta may secretly have wished someone else gets to pull on the famed Green Jacket.

It is always easy at this time of year, when the azaleas are in bloom and the golfing world turns its focus towards Augusta National, to talk about all that is good and proper in the game.

Tournament officials today insisted Tiger Woods had not received preferential treatment and the ruling on his two-shot penalty at the Masters was a “good decision”.

“I’VE learned a lot of things this week and the main one is not to dance in bunkers,” beamed Rory McIlroy after he had played the final 10 holes of his first Masters in six under par.

Rory McIlroy was cleared to continue in The Masters only after returning to Augusta National at around 8.40pm last night to meet with officials.

US Open officials have hit back at Padraig Harrington’s statement that the winner at Olympia Fields on Sunday will be the most boring man in the field.