So, even the greatest of all time is prone to an inexplicable error of judgment with a golf club in hand. In an incident that would have given hope to hackers everywhere, Tiger Woods was left red-faced in the latest TGL event, after a comical mix-up with his caddie.
Woods, 49, was playing for the Jupiter Links in their clash with the New York Golf Club.
It proved a tough night for the 15-time major champion, and not just because his side were hammered 10-3 in their latest virtual indoor clash.
Woods was playing the 13th and appeared perfectly placed on the fairway, having left himself 199 yards to the flag. With the star using a microphone, he was clearly heard asking his caddie how far to the pin.
The reply of “99” was clear. However, what the American legend overlooked was the long-standing tradition in golf whereby a caddie drops the first number when giving distance to a player if it’s deemed to be obvious.
What followed left both of Woods’ team-mates, Kevin Kisner and Tom Kim, rolling about in laughter. He hit his short iron well enough but then appeared flummoxed when his ball ended up some 100 yards short of the green.
A dispute between Woods and his team followed as a bemused audience watched on at the SoFi Center in California. Eventually, he was able to smile at his mishap as he was interviewed by presenter Marty Smith.
“I heard 99 yards, so I went out there and hit it 100,” said Woods, while trying to find the funny side. “One of the most embarrassing moments in my golfing career just happened.”
Smith then pointed out that a man of his experience should know the way a caddie communicates, prompting a stuttering reply. “I know that, I just…I just screwed up,” said Woods. “That was embarrassing.”
The team clash was Woods’ first competitive appearance since he announced the death of his mother, Kultida, on February 4. His 16-year-old son, Charlie, had accompanied him as he walked out for Tuesday’s event.
He is again expected to enter the US Masters at Augusta. Since 2022, when he returned from the high-speed car crash that threatened to finish his career, the five-time Green Jacket winner has played the tournament in three consecutive years.
