Aug. 11 (Bloomberg) -- Tiger Woods will be fined by the U.S. PGA Tour for publicly criticizing a rules official after winning golf’s Bridgestone Invitational, the Associated Press reported, citing a tour official who spoke on the condition of anonymity because the tour doesn’t announce disciplines.

Woods expressed frustration during his post-round news conference that he and Padraig Harrington received a warning for slow play late in yesterday’s final round at Firestone Country Club in Akron, Ohio. European Tour chief referee John Paramor told the pair at the 16th hole that they were being timed, which could lead to a one-stroke penalty.

The World Golf Championships event was decided with a four- shot swing at the par-5 16th, where Woods erased a one-stroke deficit by hitting his third shot within a foot of the hole for a birdie. Harrington made a triple-bogey 8 and said later that he hurried on several shots.

At his news conference, Woods said he told Harrington, “I’m sorry that John got in the way of a great battle.”

To contact the reporter on this story: Erik Matuszewski in New York at matuszewski@bloomberg.net

Last Updated: August 11, 2009 00:01 EDT