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RIDGEDALE, MISSOURI – SEPTEMBER 22: Tiger Woods of the United States looks on from the range prior to the Payne’s Valley Cup on September 22, 2020 on the Payne’s Valley course at Big Cedar Lodge in Ridgedale, Missouri. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images for Payne’s Valley Cup)

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RIDGEDALE, MISSOURI – SEPTEMBER 22: Tiger Woods of the United States looks on from the range prior to the Payne’s Valley Cup on September 22, 2020 on the Payne’s Valley course at Big Cedar Lodge in Ridgedale, Missouri. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images for Payne’s Valley Cup)
It is not a secret that Tiger Woods is one of the, if not the most, successful golfers in the world. However, becoming a champion was never an easy journey for him. And only an entity who has gone through can relate to it.
Michael Phelps is the most decorated Olympian ever. He has won 23 Gold, 3 Silver, and 2 Bronze medals while representing America in swimming. And his journey to achieving this feat was never easy either.
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Both athletes had faced their fair share of controversies in some parts of their careers and lost their image in the sports world. Yet, the two came back stronger and showed the world their talent. And that is why the world-class swimmer felt he could relate to Tiger Woods when he saw him trying and winning his 15th major tournament.
Michael Phelps about how he could relate to Woods during his 15th major win
It was the first time Michael Phelps had ever attended a Masters Tournament, and he could not have chosen a perfect one. Woods won his 15th major then, notably, after a break of 11 years.

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AUGUSTA, GEORGIA – APRIL 14: Tiger Woods of the United States celebrates with the Masters Trophy during the Green Jacket Ceremony after winning the Masters at Augusta National Golf Club on April 14, 2019 in Augusta, Georgia. (Photo by Andrew Redington/Getty Images)
“I will always say, never say a great can’t do something,” Phelps said in an interview. He explained how he felt after watching Woods rose back to his glory the way he did. “Cause he’s gonna prove you wrong. A hundred percent of the time,” he added.
“Those guys, they got to that point for a reason. They got there, they know what it takes. They don’t forget it,” the Olympian added. “I’ve never forgot it, he’s never gonna forget it.”
Read more: Tiger Woods vs Jack Nicklaus: Side-by-Side Comparison of Major Championship Records
Phelps also explained that the golfer was in control of the game every time. “I feel like every step is so calculated and every little small detail he pays so much attention to,” the world-class swimmer told NBC Sports after the tournament. “It’s something I can relate to.”
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When did Michael Phelps first meet Tiger Woods?
According to the 23-time Olympic golf winner, he and Woods met through a mutual friend in 2004 during a video game launch in New York City. Phelps further explained that he is a “huge golf nut” and admires Tiger Woods for his game.

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PARIS, FRANCE – SEPTEMBER 25: Michael Phelps of Team USA looks on during the celebrity challenge match ahead of the 2018 Ryder Cup at Le Golf National on September 25, 2018 in Paris, France. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)
As two of the greatest in the sports world, Woods and Phelps understand each other. Although the two have different sports, their experiences unite them.
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Watch This Story: When Phil Mickelson Detailed His Trash Talk Struggles With Tiger Woods
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