Although Warren Buffett may have lost to Tiger Woods in golf, he emerged the ultimate winner when it came to their friendship
Even though Warren Buffett didn’t win his golf bet against Tiger Woods, he managed to preserve his self-respect thanks to a witty remark as the CEO of Berkshire Hathaway and an affluent investor.
In a LinkedIn post, Tom Mendoza, ex-president of NetApp commemorated the 20th anniversary of the incident by sharing his recollection.
In February 2001, Mendoza went to a charity auction where the last item up for bid was an exclusive golfing trip with Tiger Woods in Florida aboard a private jet.
As the bids increased, Buffett declared that he would act as a caddie for whoever won. Unable to resist this offer, Mendoza put forward $650,000 and traveled to Florida the next month.
As promised, Buffett arrived at the initial hole sporting a white caddie jumpsuit. Greg McLaughlin, who served as the president of Tiger Woods Foundation during that time period, made a remark regarding Mendoza’s post.
He added that the group was caddied by the business tycoon throughout all 18 holes.
Mendoza remembered that at the last hole, Woods challenged Buffett to a $5 bet and said “I’ll play on my knees.”
Buffett consented and utilized Mendoza’s club to take a subpar shot. Woods, crouched on his knees, propelled his ball 250 yards into the center of the fairway. Unfortunately, Buffett hit his second shot directly into the water hazard.
“He gave Tiger a look that conveyed his desire for a mulligan despite being 71 and not having played all day,” said Mendoza. However, Woods declined the offer and successfully made it to the putting green on his next shot before winning Buffett’s money, according to the tech executive.
During the plane ride home with Mendoza, Buffett presented his defeat in a new light to his trusted associate Charlie Munger. When asked about how the match went against Woods, Buffet stated that “On 18, I brought him down on his knees,” implying a different perspective of the game’s outcome.
When recounting the story to CBS News, the Berkshire CEO disclosed another piece of information. Following Woods’ triumph in their wager, Buffett gave him $5 and stressed an important point.
“Since the caddie receives 10% of your winnings, kindly return me fifty cents,” he joked.
