Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy spark war among golf fans at US PGA
A clip featuring Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy during the opening round of the 2024 US PGA Championship sparked a furious debate among golf fans.
A few weeks ago Tiger Woods' relationship with Rory McIlroy was said to have 'soured'.
Why? Because the two see the future of men's professional golf completely differently.
Woods, 48, was part of a group of PGA Tour player directors who voted against the Northern Irishman returning to the policy board to help navigate the stalling LIV Golf peace talks.
McIlroy, 35, denied their relationship was under any strain a few days before it was confirmed he had filed for divorce with his wife Erica after their marriage became 'irretrievably broken'.
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For his part Woods also denied there was any bad blood before the first round of the PGA Championship as he dodged questions left and right about the future of the PGA Tour.
So what to make of this clip then?
It shows both golfers crossing paths during the opening round at Valhalla Golf Club on Thursday morning and the duo appear to completely blank each other.
No acknowledgement whatsoever.
Big dog?
The simple explanation is that each golfer was simply locked in as they are fierce competitors.
Still, the exchange was noticed by the CBS commentary team and a bunch of golf fans online.
"Hey, how is it going nice to see you! Nope, nothing," one commentator narrated sarcastically.
Reacting to the clip, one X user joked: "To be fair, walking down steps is a flight or fight moment for Tiger these days."
Another added: "I don’t think Tiger would have said hi if it was his own mom."
Take a look at the clip here and judge for yourself:
McIlroy revealed a week ago he had a 45-minute phone conversation with Woods after it was confirmed the Northern Irishman wouldn't be returning to the policy board.
"There's no strain there," he said. "I think we see the future of golf a little bit differently, but I don't think that should place any strain on a relationship or on a friendship."
A few days after making those comments the PGA Tour was hit with the sudden resignation of Jimmy Dunne.
McIlroy was particularly crestfallen with his departure and conceded the 'huge loss' meant his confidence the PGA Tour would strike a deal with Saudi Arabia's PIF had diminished significantly.
Dunne said his role was 'superfluous' but Woods denied this was the case.
Woods said he was 'surprised' at his resignation.
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