BROOKS KOEPKA has denied spitting on the ninth green at Royal Birkdale - as the R&A opened an investigation into the "disgusting habit".
The US Open champion was picked up on the apparent act by Tiger Woods' former coach and Sky Sports commentator Butch Harmon during the Open's second round.
And co-commentator Ewen Murray said: "One or two American players have a terrible habit of spitting on the edge of the green, Im not sure about that."
Harmon pointed out most players who spit do so while chewing tobacco but added: "I think its a digusting habit, I agree with you."
However, after his second round of two over 72 which left him three behind leader Jordan Spieth, Koepka denied spitting on the green.
Koepka, who is dating stunning Jena Sims, said: "It wasnt on the green, I promise you that."
The R&A will now decide whether Koepka's actions breached the etiquette of the game, which requires "respect for the course" and "respect for your fellow players".
This is not the first time Koepka has been caught up in a spitting storm.
In November 2016, television cameras appeared to show him spitting on a green at the Turkish Airlines Open, an event he won in 2014.
Sergio Garcia was filmed spitting into an actual hole in 2007 and in 2011 Tiger Woods was fined an undisclosed fee by the European Tour for spitting on the green during the Dubai Desert Classic.