Nick Faldo urges Masters to ban fan tradition which almost cost Tiger Woods glory

Nick Faldo has called for a ban on fans screaming a bizarre phrase during . There are several things shouted at golfers during events but the three-time green jacket winner takes exception to one in particular.

A gripe for those watching at home is the . It is screamed when a golfer hits a tee shot and the words receive a mixed reaction from those participating in events. Faldo is one of the golfers who want the phrase banned from golf courses, including at the Masters. However, he appreciates that sometimes fans can get carried away.

Speaking to , the 67-year-old said: "I think they should ban when they scream smashed potato. But there's security in the crowd. And if you get a little carried away, you'll get a little, 'Please respect.'"

Faldo incorrectly referred to the phrase as 'smashed potatoes' but the term 'mashed potato' has been used by fans for at least 14 years. It became popularised by a man wanting his mother - who was watching on television - to know where he was standing in the crowd.

Andrew Widmar shouted it as struck a perfect tee shot on the 18th hole at the 2011 Chevron World Challenge. However, Widmar insists he cannot take credit for being the first person to shout 'mashed potatoes' at golf, claiming he had heard someone scream it at Woods a year later.

"I'd seen it before on YouTube," he once said. "My friends thought it was stupid, but I thought it was hilarious. I wish I could take credit for starting it, but I will take credit for it becoming popular. It's a good one to yell, because it's nice and quick and it means absolutely nothing."

Woods was not distracted by the shout, though. He went on to beat former Masters champion Zach Johnson by only one stroke. It was the golf icon's first title in two years, having endured a horror time away from the course in the two years after his 2009 Australian Masters triumph.

A car crash and a divorce came in the intervening period, just when Woods looked like he may dominate the sport for many more years.

Woods is not participating at this year's tournament due to an Achilles injury. Justin Rose currently leads the way heading into round three.