How Tiger Woods Once Helped Derek Jeter Make His Highly-Anticipated Golf Debut

One sunny day in 2016, the golf course saw an unlikely visitor. And it was all thanks to golf superstar Tiger Woods. With the golf star regularly hosting his all-star celebrity tournaments, there are always a few sports people around the course. But that November, the Bronx faithful were set for a surprise.

While professional players from Major League Baseball have always enjoyed other sports, that day was mainly a surprise. While most stars pick to avoid sports after retirement, some can’t shake the competitive bug. And if there’s anything to be said about someone who’s had a successful career in pro sports, it is that they are truly competitive.

Former New York Yankees Star Makes His Debut on the Golf Course

Derek Jeter and Tiger Woods have long been friends. The two had career paths that collided frequently, as the stars were both on the rise in the early 90s, leading to the blossoming of a friendship between them.

While both would grab major honors in their respective competitive careers, their friendship was perhaps a consequence. And while Jeter had never made his way to sink a putt while a part of the New York Yankees, he certainly found time after retirement.

The 5x World Series winner made his name in Pinstripes through his 20-year long career at Yankee Stadium. After his retirement, the star found his way, making his golf debut.

Competing in the Hero World Challenge Pro-Am, a tournament hosted by his dearest friend Tiger Woods, the star swung at a target much smaller than he was used to. 

While engaging in one of his cherished sports, the ex-Yankee opened up about a moment of embarrassment he experienced.

Derek Jeter Spoke About Trying his Hand on the Greens

Reportedly, Jeter had a standing invitation to play in Woods’ tournament anytime he wanted, but the star refrained. Reportedly, Jeter maintained for the public that he had never felt that he was a good enough player to reveal his game to the public. Said Jeter, “I embarrassed myself a lot through my career, but never intentionally, so I stayed away from it.”

Read More: “Crying in My Hotel Room” – Derek Jeter Once Detailed the Emotional Journey to Fulfilling His Lifelong Yankee Dream

Much like his competitive fire, Jeter was eager to be a high achiever in what he picked up. And after his retirement in 2014, Jeter was quite serious about the sport too. Although he had successfully lowered his handicap to a 10, he was still not satisfied. Said Jeter, “I can hit it, but it just doesn’t go where I want it to go. So I’ve gotten addicted to trying to improve.”

Rightly said, you can take the man out of a championship team, but you can’t take the champion out of the man. On that note, what do you feel about Jeter’s achievements as a player?

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