Toms accuses Augusta National of acting 'like the CIA'

After surviving one players' attack over their course changes at last week's Masters, the Augusta authorities were exposed to a fresh fusillade yesterday when David Toms, the world No 7, accused them of acting "like the CIA", of treating competitors like second-class citizens and of showing favouritism towards Tiger Woods.

"The players walk on eggshells there," said the 2001 USPGA champion. "It's the only place all year where they don't feel like they are the most important thing at the tournament.

"They do not know if they are in the right place; they are worried about their cell phone being on; have to stop by a hut to have their ticket scanned on the way in; have to make sure that the wrong person doesn't get their pass and try to sell it or they get thrown in jail; not sign autographs in certain spots or not ask for an autograph in a certain spot; not sit down at the table too long. It's just one thing after another. It's like CIA stuff. It's just uncalled for."

Toms claimed to be speaking for most of his colleagues and hinted at anger felt over the perceived preferential treatment received by Woods. "If he doesn't have to go through all that, then why is he any different than me?" asked Toms. But the players' biggest gripe with Augusta National is the refusal to grant coaches the necessary access.

One famous British professional has confessed to hiding his sports psychologist in his car boot in the past to get him in. Said Toms: "You've got a major championship and you can't have your instructor with you walking down the fairway to prepare. Yeah, all these rules make The Masters special, but it's still a golf tournament in the end. It's the players that make it."

* Tiger Woods yesterday apologised for using the word "spaz" on television after The Masters on Sunday evening. "I meant nothing derogatory," said the world No 1.