Why Rory McIlroy accidentally ignored Tiger Woods’ text message after US Open heartbreak
The Northern Irishman missed two short putts on the final three holes to lose by one stroke to Bryson DeChambeau, painfully missing his chance to end a decade-long major championship drought.
McIlroy spoke to the media at Royal Troon ahead of the US Open. Credit: AFP
McIlroy himself was showered with sympathy from his peers as he took some time away from the game to process what had happened. One of those messages of support was inspired by Woods, a 15-time major champion.
“I sent him a great message,” Woods said at a news conference ahead of the 152nd British Open at Royal Troon. Ruthless Woods hits back at Montgomery at public press conference at Royal Troon
“I waited a week for it to ship. I wanted it to calm down. “I know he was going through a lot of stuff, but he just had a week to chill.”
But McIlroy changed his phone number two days after the U.S. Open to distance himself from the situation.
“Full disclosure: I changed my uniform number two days after the U.S. Open, and I didn’t even notice until he told me today,” McIlroy laughed. “I was like, ‘Oh man, thank you so much,’ so I ignored Tiger Woods, which is probably not a good thing,” McIlroy added, “Tiger’s been with me throughout my career, at the best of times and the worst of times, and he sent me a great message after St Andrews in 2022.” After beating Tiger at the Olympic golf venue, an emotional Rahm had to apologize to Tiger
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Woods speaks of his support for McIlroy after disappointment at the U.S. Open Photo Credit: Getty
“I met Tiger when I was 15 and have had a great relationship with him and his whole family. He also really enjoys spending time with my mom and dad. “It means a lot. It means a lot that he has held his hand. In fact, it means a lot that he waited a few days to reach out, which if he had not waited so long, I would probably have understood.
“But I caught it earlier. It’s always great when your hero and the man you have in the wall of your room reach out and provide words of encouragement.
At the beginning of Tuesday, Woods was invited to clarify what he told Macill at SMS.
Americans said, “As you know, I am your friend. I know these are difficult times.
“We were all there like champions. We all lose. Unfortunately, it just happened, and the raw emotions from it are still there and will be, I’m sure, for some time to come.
