Changing one’s phone number might have some unexpected results, such as missed messages from old acquaintances. This was the case between golfers Rory McIlroy and Tiger Woods. McIlroy, upon an unexpected encounter with Woods, discovered he hadn’t replied to a supportive message sent by Woods after his challenging performance at the US Open at Pinehurst. The reason? McIlroy altered his number only two days following the US Open.
McIlroy jokingly admitted that unintentionally ignoring Tiger Woods might not have been the wisest move. The issue arose because Woods had waited to permit time for recovery before sending the supportive text. Unfortunately, by the time he sent it, McIlroy had already switched his phone number, leading to the misplaced message.
McIlroy still cherishes his relationship with Woods, acknowledging the golfing legend’s influential role in his career and his continuous support in all situations. He reminisced about a significant message Woods sent him after the St Andrews tournament in 2022.
Beyond their professional relationship, McIlroy revealed that he first met Woods at 15, and since then they’ve cultivated not only a strong bond but one that encompasses their families as well. What he truly appreciated was Woods’ decision to wait a few days before sending the message, a response he could have received if he hadn’t changed his contact details.
The Northern Irish golfer was thrilled to finally respond to his childhood idol’s encouraging message. Despite the initial oversight, the sense of respect and admiration he holds for Woods remains undiminished, signifying the importance of each word of encouragement from the man whose poster hung on his bedroom wall.
After a brief hiatus following Pinehurst, McIlroy made his way back into the competition at the Genesis Scottish Open last week. Despite his recent fall at the US Open, where it appeared he was on the brink of concluding a 10-year majors gap and Bryson DeChambeau eventually emerged victorious, he believes his form is strong.
In reflecting on his performance at the Scottish Open, where he ended in tied-fourth place, McIlroy expressed satisfaction but acknowledged that there might have been room for him to substantially elevate his chances of triumphing at the tournament. He is now simultaneously preparing for the upcoming week’s tournament and setting his sights on gearing up to be in contention.
In the practice round leading to this performance, McIlroy teed up with his caddie Dave McNeilly who he was reuniting with, golf stalwarts Darren Clarke and Tom McKibbin, as well as his putting coach Brad Faxon. Luke Donald, the European Ryder Cup captain, was present too, and McIlroy sought his advice on putting on less brisk greens.
Stressing the importance of not tweaking his putting approach excessively, McIlroy shared he had sought counsel from Donald and his coach, with an emphasis on improving the strike more than anything else. He added that a mis-struck putt doesn’t reach the hole and therefore it’s vital to impart a good roll on it.
Donald’s advice to concentrate on the stroke tempo, making it slightly snappier and shorter on such greens, deeply resonated with McIlroy. Going forward, he aims to consider these aspects – the strike and the tempo of the stroke – to improve his game this week.