The Open 2018: Tiger Woods spotted barging through group of autograph-hunting children

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.

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.

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 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.”