Rory McIlroy reflects on friendship with Tiger Woods
A fascinating new book from golf journalist Alan Shipnuck has revealed the unique friendship between Rory McIlroy and Tiger Woods, highlighting how their bond sometimes came with inconvenient timing, reports BritPanorama.
In ‘Rory: The Heartache and Triumph of Golf’s Most Human Superstar’, McIlroy recounts how Woods would send him messages at ungodly hours. “He’d be texting me at four o’clock in the morning: ‘Up lifting. What are you doing?'” McIlroy recalled, noting that his wife, Erica Stoll, was not pleased with the late-night interruptions.
McIlroy admitted, “Erica actually got p****d off with it. He was texting me in the middle of the night and I was like, ‘Tiger is in the gym.'” The Northern Irishman has long idolised Woods, and their relationship evolved into a strong friendship after McIlroy joined the PGA Tour.
Beyond their friendship, the duo formed a business partnership, launching TGL in 2022 with sports executive Mike McCarley. Reflecting on Woods’ struggles during a difficult period in 2017, McIlroy mentioned, “He struggles to sleep, which I think is an effect of over-training, so I tell him to calm down sometimes.”
Woods’ remarkable return to form culminated in a stunning victory at the 2019 Masters, marking his fifth Green Jacket after a long hiatus from major victories. McIlroy followed suit, claiming his own Masters title just a year later, completing a career Grand Slam and strengthening his position in the world of golf.
This year, McIlroy defended his Masters crown, further solidifying his standing in the sport. He has chosen a lighter schedule, focusing on major events as part of a long-term strategy to manage his career effectively.
As the Scottish Open and The Open Championship at Royal Birkdale approach, McIlroy remains one of the favourites, poised to add yet another major title to his impressive résumé.
In the ever-dynamic world of golf, where the lines between friendship and rivalry blur, McIlroy and Woods exemplify how personal connections can shape careers, reminding fans that behind the accolades lie genuine human relationships and complexities.
