Rory McIlroy’s Stunning Revelation About Tiger Woods’ Message of Support at the US Open
In the world of sports, even the simplest changes can lead to unexpected consequences. For Rory McIlroy, changing his phone number shortly after his heartbreaking final round at the US Open in Pinehurst meant missing out on a significant message of support from Tiger Woods.
When Woods and McIlroy crossed paths recently, the legendary golfer inquired why McIlroy hadn’t responded to his message of encouragement. The truth came out in McIlroy’s candid admission: “I changed my number two days after the US Open, so I didn’t get it until he told me about it today. I was like, ‘oh, thanks very much’. So I blanked Tiger Woods, which is probably not a good thing,” he said with a laugh.
Woods, showing his characteristic thoughtfulness, had waited a few days before sending the text, giving McIlroy time to process his disappointment. By then, McIlroy’s number change meant the message was lost in the digital void.
“Tiger has been nothing but incredible to me over the course of my career – in the good moments and the bad,” McIlroy shared, reminiscing about another poignant message from Woods after his near miss at St. Andrews in 2022. “He sent me an incredible message after St Andrews,” McIlroy recalled, referencing the time when it seemed he had the Claret Jug within reach, only for Cameron Smith’s exceptional performance to snatch it away.
Reflecting on his long-standing relationship with Woods, McIlroy added, “I met Tiger when I was 15 years old, and I’ve built up a great relationship with him, his whole family. He really enjoys spending time with my mom and dad as well. It means a lot that he reached out. Actually it means a lot that he waited a few days to reach out, which if he hadn’t have waited that long I probably would have got it. But I caught up with him earlier. It’s always nice when your hero and the guy that you had on your bedroom wall is reaching out and offering words of encouragement.”
Following his US Open setback, McIlroy took some time off to recover from the emotional toll of missing what seemed like a golden opportunity to end his decade-long drought in Major tournaments. He made his return at the Genesis Scottish Open, feeling rejuvenated and ready to compete again.
“My game’s in really good shape. I had a nice reset after Pinehurst that was needed, and felt like I shook off a little bit of the rust last week,” he said, reflecting on his tied-fourth finish. “I felt like I probably could have given myself more of a chance to win the tournament. I thought it was a solid week. Again it’s like one eye on preparing for this week, but another eye on trying to get into contention as well.”
McIlroy’s preparation included a practice round with fellow golfers Darren Clarke and Tom McKibbin, along with his caddie Dave McNeilly and putting coach Brad Faxon. Luke Donald, Europe’s Ryder Cup captain, was also on hand to provide valuable advice for putting on slower greens.
“I don’t like to tinker too much with the putter. Fax was out there walking with me this morning, and so was Luke Donald. I really try to focus on the strike more than anything else here and put a good roll on it because any putt here that’s mis-struck just doesn’t get to the hole,” McIlroy explained. “So I sort of picked Luke’s brain a little bit, and he always said he liked to focus on the tempo of his stroke and really, if anything, make it a little shorter and a little brisker on greens like this. So that’s something, you know, the strike and maybe just think a little bit more about the tempo of the stroke, two good things this week.”
As McIlroy continues to navigate the highs and lows of his career, his ability to draw on the support and wisdom of golf legends like Tiger Woods and Luke Donald remains a crucial asset. With his game back on track and a fresh perspective, McIlroy is poised to tackle the challenges ahead, inspired by the encouragement from those who have walked the path before him.
