‘He Was My Mentor’: 28 Years Later, Tiger Woods Relishes the Inception of His Father Figure Relationship With Fred Couples

After going pro in 1996 at the age of 20, Tiger Woods‘ popularity has only increased by leaps and bounds. The golfing legend may not be at his best following his 2021 accident, but his contribution to golf will always remain unparalleled.

The Tiger Effect, which will be airing on CBS, looks into the 15-time major winner’s sensational career. Woods has paved the way for many golf stars we know and love, but a clip shared by PGA Tour on Twitter shows the golfer talking about his own “mentor.”

Tiger Woods reflects on relationship with legendary golfer

While Tiger Woods’ 2023 Masters campaign ended early, the 47-year-old’s new feat greatly delighted his fans. The 5-time Masters winner made his 23rd consecutive cut at Augusta, tying with legends Fred Couples and Gary Player. However, Woods and Couples go way back.

Woods, who has previously referred to Couples as his “dad on tour,” reflects on the wholesome relationship in the new clip shared by PGA Tour. He says that the 63-year-old golfer was like a mentor to him. Shedding light on their long-running relationship, Woods says, “He was my mentor. So, I got a chance to play with Freddy in the 95′ Masters. In my first practice round, he invited me to play and it’s only built from there.”

Tiger Woods has always looked up to Fred Couples. Last year, he shared a special story about being hooked to the screen when Couples won his 14th career title on the PGA Tour Champions at the SAS Championship.

Also Read: Moments After Tiger Woods’ Scripts History at the Masters, Fred Couples Steals His Thunder With a Precious Achievement

Fred Couples has also been a source of support for his mentee. In the clip, Couples shares that he became a father figure to the golfer “in a roundabout way.” From time to time, he has backed the golfer whose devastating 2021 injury has greatly affected his form. This year, Woods withdrew from the Masters, citing his aggravated leg injury as the reason.

Will Tiger Woods play at the PGA Championship?

Ahead of the 2023 Masters’ marathon Sunday, Tiger Woods took to Twitter to announce that he had aggravated his plantar fasciitis. While his withdrawal disappointed fans, it didn’t come as a shock to many. Spectators had witnessed the 47-year-old limping his way through the previous rounds.

Woods’ fans are worried about whether the golfer will return to good form in time for the upcoming PGA Championship or not. His friend and golfer Jason Day recently shared that Woods had undergone another major setback at the end of last year. While his return for the year’s second major is still unlikely, his longtime rival and LIV golfer Phil Mickelson has confirmed his appearance.

Watch The Story: ‘This Man Is Not Human’: Latest Tiger Woods News Triggers Upset and Disbelief In The Golf Community 

What are your thoughts on the special relationship between the two golfing legends? Will Tiger Woods bounce back to form in time for the PGA Championship? Let us know in the comments below!