Tiger Woods gives out autographs and stitches

Jet, August 18, 2003

Courtesy of an errant shot by Tiger Woods, a fan is now the proud owner of three stitches and an autographed golf glove by the world's No. 1 golfer.

Woods' approach at No. 7 during the final round of the Buick Open in Michigan sailed to the right and bounced off John Yates' head and cut him, before it landed in the greenside bunker.

The spectator was on his back, his head bleeding, when Woods came over to apologize. "I'm so sorry," Woods said, leaning down to shake Yates' hand. "Hang in there." Woods asked if help was on the way. Tournament marshals assured him it was.

Woods, who made birdie, returned to give Yates the golf glove and a baH,

Reached later by telephone at his home in Grand Blanc, Yates told the Associated Press he didn't need medical assistance beyond the stitches.

In fact, he was in a joking mood. "I helped him out because my head knocked it back toward the hole," said Yates, 52. "He birdied the hole, I guess. I didn't see it. It's my most memorable moment in golf."