The 2023 Ryder Cup has finally spread its wings at Marco Simone Golf Course. The anticipation that has been building up for months has finally been met, thanks to the competitive strive from both sides. Yet, Europe clearly appears to be marching the dominance across. Currently, at 4-0, the European squad has definitely showcased what they are capable of on their home turf. However, just like many tournaments witness the surge of previous glories that have been part of its legacy, the Ryder Cup also encounters a similar storyline.

Featuring right in the center of it are one of two prominent PGA Tour entities— Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy. While one of the legends’ absence has been thoroughly felt by his side, the other has been evidently powerful with his matchplay in Rome. Interestingly, this confession accounts back to 2009 as some of the statements tested the now-established friendship between the two.

Tiger Woods’ response to old challenge from Rory McIlroy makes rounds once again

It was back in 2009 that the 15-time major winner had returned to the greens after a long break. Following his re-entry to the golf world, Tiger Woods, for the first time, had failed to grab a victory at an event since turning professional in 1997. His rough form on the field reflected in him missing out on the automatic qualification for the US Ryder Cup team.

Thus, his probable presence at the biennial event had grabbed enormous attention, with questions being posed to the then-US team captain Corey Pavin about the inclusion of Tiger Woods in the team despite his poor run. However, it was the response of the North Irish star Rory McIlroy after Woods’ selection that started an unexpected contention.

McIlroy, on being asked about the chance of facing the veteran star at the team event, had confidently responded, “I would love to face him,” per Talk Sport. His response turned out to be nothing but a sign of challenge to the fellow PGA Tour professional. Rory McIlroy had added, “Unless his game rapidly improves in the next month or so, I think anyone in the European team would fancy his chances against him.”

While many would not have indulged in commenting on such statements, Tiger Woods has always been one to have a straightforward answer. The legendary star, in his usual unbothered stance, replied with a calm, “Me too.” When asked to elaborate on the same, Woods had reverted back with a curt No.

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After both achieving success at the biennial tournament through team victory or personal success, the golfers seemed to have settled their past scores in all sense. The new league of the two coming up together shows enough signs of the same, along with their mutual shared respect displayed off and on course in recent times.

Despite the 2010 Ryder Cup hiccup, Rory McIlroy and Tiger Woods share a firm bond

While this exchange of dialogues between Rory McIlroy and Tiger Woods seems like a dark confession, both have shared a formidable bond for years now. Not only have the two legends joined forces for the ever-blooming TGL, but they also now share a seat on the PGA Tour policy board. In fact, McIlroy was among the few active players who commented on Woods’ importance in the league’s future.

However, the 82-time PGA Tour has also been able to reciprocate this respect. While talking about his son, Charlie Woods, sometime back, Tiger Woods was asked about the young ones swing imitating that of the legendary golfer himself. But, Tiger Woods was quick to admit that he had time and again asked his son to follow the swing action of 4-time major winner McIlroy instead of his.

This proves that the two legends of the game have gained massive admiration for each other. What do you think of this tiff that was ignited between the now buddies, Rory McIlroy and Tiger Woods? Share your thoughts in the comments.

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