World No 1 golfer Tiger Woods has been told by The Open bosses at St Andrews to behave himself during the tournament.

Woods has been slammed for turning the air blue, spitting and hurling his clubs around after wayward shots in tournaments earlier this year.

"Tiger is watched by so many people and his behaviour on the course is very important," The Sun quoted Peter Dawson, Royal and Ancient Golf Club chief executive, as saying.

"He recognizes some of his mistakes in the past and I'm very happy to see he's doing what he's doing to correct them. It's very good news for the game," he added.

Meanwhile, three-time Open champion Nick Faldo has called on Woods to respect the fans at St Andrews.

"He needs to give something back to the sport. You give to them and they will give back, simple as that. If you're giving in any way - with smiles, comments, waves and good thoughts - I'm sure it will all come back," Faldo said.

"Tiger is doing his own thing, he always has. Tiger has been Tiger for the 15 years he has been out here. He believes he's doing the right thing, so it's his choice how he wants to do it," he added.

The overwhelming bookies favourite Woods, seeking a fourth Open title after having won in 2000 and 2005, is set to start in the 15th group alongside England's Justin Rose and Colombian Camilo Villegas.

Woods won at St Andrews by handsome margins in 2000 and 2005 but his outing later on Thursday will be his first competitive one in Britain since the spectacular unravelling of his private life last year and subsequent sabbatical from the game.