Beijing's campaign to improve the behaviour of its citizens at sporting events before the 2008 Olympics got enthusiastic backing from one spectator at the China Open on Sunday.

India's Jeev Milkha Singh had just fired a shot into trees at the 11th hole of the Honghua Golf Course in the Chinese capital when a spectator picked up the ball and began to walk away with it.

"My ball was down there and this guy was walking with my golf ball in his hand," said Singh.

In an ensuing melee, another man, upset at the huge breach of golf etiquette, launched a boot at the offender's backside.

"I just told him to relax and the rules official came and told the guy to tell me where the ball stopped.

"The person asks him and while he was doing it someone from the gallery came out and kicked him. I said 'Oh my God, what's going on'."

Singh took a free drop and saved par at the hole before going on to win the $1.8 million event by a stroke.

Beijing authorities, concerned at what they perceive as an international reputation for bad manners, recently launched several campaigns to improve behaviour, especially at sporting events.

Event officials said behaviour at the tournament this week had generally been good although the ubiquitous use of mobile phones -- banned on the course -- caused occasional problems.

Irishman Peter Lawrie's caddy was heard politely remonstrating with one local man accompanied by his toddler daughter in a sparse gallery at the second tee on Friday.

"We're delighted to have you here," he said. "But you're standing too close and making too much noise."