Rangers legend’s brother has been coaching my golf swing and I’ve gone the distance with Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy

Haotong Li is flying at Royal Portrush and is also leaning on epic past encountersHaotong Li(Image: Getty Images)

Haotong Li recalled his magical Rory McIlroy and Tiger Woods moments after his Open surge.

The Chinese star rocketed to eight-under par with a day-two 65 at Royal Portrush.

Li has worked tirelessly to perfect his game having shown his abilities during a date with Woods and Jon Rahm six years ago.

The Asian ace also held off McIlroy down the stretch in Dubai the year before to win and said: “It’s like a dream come true to play with Tiger, especially during the Masters.

“I didn’t expect and I quite enjoyed those two rounds.

“Those experiences for sure have been very helpful. Definitely. But most importantly, we’ve been working so hard to get in this position.

Rory McIlroy and Tiger Woods(Image: Getty Images)

“We’re supposed to get comfortable on that. I think every athlete has been working really hard to get to this point.

“I’ve been playing in Europe a lot, helps a lot. Especially the last few years playing on the DP World Tour and being able to experience different kind of courses has helped my game a lot.”

Li has been working with swing coach Jamie Gough, who is the brother of former Scotland, Rangers and Dundee United footballing icon Richard.

Football is not his thing, though, as when asked for his favourite team he said: “Sunderland. Yeah, not really because my ex-caddie is a Sunderland fan so I’m just kidding with you.

“Goughy and I kind of been back and forth for a few times and we’ve just been working those pull cut and trying to avoid the snap left, which is when I during the swing yips.

“Been kind of working so far.”