Casey is in a tie for 14th place going into the final round in Miami

Casey and his playing partner Scott Hend had to wait for about 10 minutes on the 13th tee while security was summoned to eject the spectator.

"It was really unfair and distracting for Scott," said Casey.

"People think they're going to get at me but all that happens is they aggravate the other player."

Last year, Casey said he "hated" Americans but later claimed the comments were made in the context of the Ryder Cup.

The guy was an absolute idiot Scott Hend

He revealed recently he has had counselling to help him cope with the fall-out of the remarks but knew he would be heckled sooner or later on American soil.

But Hend, who was lying second at the time, was furious about the intervention which also disturbed his concentration.

"The guy was an absolute idiot," Hend said. "On the first tee he was yelling out something and then he disappeared. I guess he had a few more drinks and suddenly he popped up on the farthest part of the course.

"He yelled, 'Shank it in the trees. You won't catch Phil (Mickelson). He's American, you're not.' He was just being outrageously bad.

"We couldn't go anywhere because we didn't know what the guy was going to do when Paul teed off.

"Paul handled it very well. He just ignored the guy. I feel sorry for him, because he's a great guy and a great player."

Casey said he would like to talk to the heckler.

"I really feel people don't understand what was said or who I am, and that's the hardest part," he said.

"It's one guy out of a great crowd this week. Everyone else has been fantastic."