Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy Enjoy a Light Moment Ahead of the 150th Open Championship

The 150th Open Championship begins on July 14. While the competitors would be feeling intense pressure to win the fourth major of the season, the 15-time major champion Tiger Woods is visibly not that concerned.

The golfer showed his funny side at the Celebration of Champions, a yearly tradition ahead of the 150th Open Championship, by pranking his teammate Rory McIlroy. 

In the video posted on Instagram by the PGA Tour, the iconic golfers can be seen practicing their putting during the event. Meanwhile, Woods had other plans as he rolled his ball toward McIlroy, making the latter lose his ball and focus.

Although it was nothing but a mischievous act from the 15-time major champion, it brought entertainment to the players and the audience. 

Did Team Woods manage a win amidst their captain pranking his teammate? 

Celebration of Champions is a team event that R&A officials hold yearly to celebrate its former champions ahead of the Open Championship. Only the former champions of the selected events are allowed to play in the event. 

Read more: Bizarre Superstitions That Tiger Woods Follows on the Golf Course

Mostly, every group has four members in it, and so did Team Woods. The golfing legend Lee Trevino, McIlroy, and the 2018 Women’s Open champion Georgia Hall were teammates of Tiger Woods. The team scored 3-under par in the four-hole event and secured T2 position. 

Notably, Team Faldo won the event. The unit included Sir Nick Faldo, Louis Oosthuizen, John Daly, and the 2023 US Ryder Cup team captain Zach Johnson. They scored an impressive 6-under to win the 4-hole match. 

Tiger Woods and other former champions concentrated on enjoying the event

As the past champions, all R&A former champions were competitive enough in the event. However, they didn’t forget to enjoy their time and create special moments with their fellow champions.

Take for example, John Daly hugging Woods at the practicing putting green was an eye-pleasing event for the spectators. Moreover, Woods waving to McIlroy’s 22-month-old daughter was also a refreshing highlight. Then, the stories the golf legends like Jack Nicklaus, and Lee Trevino shared were icing on the cake. 

Watch This Story: Tiger Woods Once Asserted Courageous Bryson Dechambeau as the Future of Golf

Notably, it was Woods’ first official event since he withdrew from the PGA Championship this year due to health issues. However, he did not seem in any pressure as he visibly enjoyed being part of the Celebration of Champions.

What was your favorite moment of the 4-hole event?