Tiger Woods Silences LIV Golf Star’s Bold Challenge at Presidents Cup

Tiger Woods Silences LIV Golf Star’s Bold Challenge at Presidents Cup

 

In one of the most memorable moments from the 2019 Presidents Cup, Abraham Ancer, the rising Mexican golf star, found himself facing the legendary Tiger Woods after boldly calling him out. Ancer, who has since stirred controversy by joining the LIV Golf circuit, wasn’t part of the International Team this year—but his showdown with Woods remains unforgettable.

 

Ancer had been confident heading into the tournament. As a member of the International team, he was asked which player he would prefer to face in the Sunday singles matches in Melbourne. Without hesitation, Ancer made his bold desire clear: “I would like to play against Tiger.”

 

In a twist of fate, Ancer got exactly what he asked for. On the final day, the first match on the schedule pitted him against Tiger Woods, who was not only Team USA’s captain but had just captured his 15th major victory at the Masters. Woods was in peak form, and it quickly became evident that Ancer’s wish might have been more than he bargained for.

 

The match was anything but close. Woods delivered a masterclass, outplaying Ancer with ease and securing a dominant 3&2 victory. His win was instrumental in Team USA’s 16-14 triumph on foreign soil, and Woods had the final say on the matter: “I hit it well this week. I was responsible for three points—JT [Justin Thomas] and I got two—and I happened to play well and got Abe today. Abe wanted it, and he got it.”

 

Ancer’s pre-match comments had done little more than fuel the fire for Woods, who thrives on rising to a challenge. Yet, Ancer later clarified that his remarks weren’t meant to sound cocky or disrespectful. In a reflection on the experience, he explained that the original question was posed in Spanish, and the tone of his response was more about eagerness to face a legend than bravado.

 

“At the time, I just thought it would be a great experience—and it was,” Ancer said. “No matter the outcome, I knew I would grow as a player just by being in that situation.”

 

In the end, Ancer did get his wish, but like many before him, he learned that when you call out Tiger Woods, you better be ready to back it up.