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TIGER WOODS shot into contention at The Open — after being caught in a social media storm.

The American, 42, fired a level-par 71 after being seen barging through autograph-hunting children at Wednesday’s practice round.

 Tiger Woods approaches a bunch of young autograph hunters
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Tiger Woods approaches a bunch of young autograph hunters
Tiger Woods responds after being spotted ignoring children who wanted autographs at the Open Championship

The three-time champion stumbled on the back nine, slipping from two-under.

And he hit back at the criticism, saying: “I signed on the way out there, did you see that, on the way to the range?

“I warmed up and I was going to go play off the back nine and that’s what I did.”

Woods is back in golf’s flagship event for the first time since 2015 after multiple back surgeries.

 Tiger Woods ignores the young fans and walks through them
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Tiger Woods ignores the young fans and walks through them
 Woods played his way into contention at with his opening round at The Open
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 Woods played his way into contention at with his opening round at The OpenCredit: Getty Images

He played with black tape on his neck as extra support and admitted it affected his swing.

Woods said: “You know, a little bit here and there but it’s all right.

“It’s been bugging me for a while. Everyone acts like this is the first time I’ve been bandaged up.

“I’ve been doing this for years, just this time it’s actually visible.”

 Woods hit a shot on the opening day of The Open at Carnoustie
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Woods hit a shot on the opening day of The Open at CarnoustieCredit: Dave Pinegar - The Sun
 Woods his his tee shot in front of fans at the ninth hole at Carnoustie
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Woods his his tee shot in front of fans at the ninth hole at CarnoustieCredit: AFP

Woods missed the cut in 2015 but looks far more assured compared to his first-round 76 at St Andrews.

He added: “I’ve always loved playing this championship.

“This is how the game should be played. It should be creative. It should be played on the ground.

“I’m sure the course will slow up a touch in the morning and we’ll see what the guys then have to do in the afternoon.”

Golf star Tiger Woods appears to mock rivals when he talks about opponents being afraid of him
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