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RORY McILROY heaped praise on Tiger Woods for joining the PGA Tour’s policy board.

Woods has assumed the role amid anger from players regarding the proposed deal between the sport’s two rival factions — LIV Golf and the PGA Tour.

McIlroy and Woods have been the biggest advocates of the established tours in their battle with LIV Golf.

But they were kept in the dark before the shock announcement of a deal between the PGA Tour, DP World Tour and Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund, who bankroll LIV.

Masters champion Jon Rahm said players felt a sense of ‘betrayal’ that the deal was negotiated in secret, with PGA Tour commissioner Jay Monahan facing calls to resign.

But Woods becoming a player-director of the PGA Tour means the new board will be made up of six player-directors, five independent directors and the PGA of America director.

Tiger Woods

And McIlroy, who is also on the policy board with Patrick Cantlay, Webb Simpson, Charley Hoffman and Peter Malnati, said: “It’s great.

“He is the player that has left the biggest legacy on the game over the last 20 years.

“For him to be involved in the discussions around the future of professional golf is very important. Tiger has stepped up for all of us.

“I think he realises all the players on the policy board are trying to play regular golf and navigate all these different things as well so he’s got a bit more time than we do.

“So for him to step up and sort of take a little bit of the load off us is very much appreciated.”

McIlroy was speaking at a press conference ahead of this week’s FedEx St Jude Championship as he bids to win the overall FedEx Cup title for a fourth time.

And the 34-year-old has brought an old putter out of his garage to use at Southwind in a bid to overhaul Masters champ Jon Rahm and Scottie Scheffler.

Yet, the Ryder Cup is also on his mind after his place in Europe’s squad was officially confirmed yesterday.

But the Holywood native’s preparation could get a little messy.

After the PGA Tour season finishes, McIlroy will return to Europe for the Irish Open at the K Club and then the BMW PGA Championship.

But he revealed: “I’ve got a buddy’s bachelor party in Mykonos after Wentworth and then I have a few days to dry out before the Ryder Cup.”

Phil Mickelson, who is currently the focus of a lot of controversy, has yet again successfully garnered the attention of the golf community with a $1 billion gamble revelation from the past. This has been disclosed by his friend Billy Walters in his upcoming book: “Gambler: Secrets from a Life at Risk.”

While his Ryder Cup chances are at stake with this latest disclosure, another wager report comes to the surface that takes fans back to a moment when Mickelson surprised Tiger Woods five years ago with an interesting wager.

Phil Mickelson once baited the fifteen-time major winner with a wager

It is already known that Phil Mickelson is a man for head-to-head 1 vs. 1 matches. Recently, we have seen an instance of that where Mickelson and DeChambeau had a face-off over nine holes amid the LIV Golf Greenbrier. Now, these short entertainment matches are an easy way to lucrative payouts if one knows how to gamble.

Tiger Woods

One such match took place five years ago at the Shadow Creek Golf Course in North Las Vegas, Nevada. This Thanksgiving weekend experiment match was between two renowned rivals, Phil Mickelson and Tiger Woods. In addition to this, ‘The Match’ was an unofficial PGA Tour event with a payout of $9 million with the winner getting the entire prize money.

According to a report, amid the match, Mickelson baited Woods with a bet on the first hole, saying, I feel like the first hole is a great hole for me,”. Then he added, And I believe — in fact I’m willing to risk $100,000 that says I birdie the first hole. So that’s how good I feel heading into this match, thus putting $100,000 at risk if he could birdie the first hole.

Mickelson made it clear that Woods didn’t have to accept this, but the 15x major winner said, So you think you can make birdie on the first hole?” To this The Lefty replied, I know I’m going to make birdie on the first hole. Woods, not ready to back down, responded, “Double it”. Thus, the final bet money stood at $200,000.

Who won the Woods vs. Mickelson match?

Lefty took the match quite personally and said, “He came along and broke every single record I had,”. He also added, “Junior records, college, U.S. amateur: I won one, he won three. At Shadow Creek, I shot the course-record 61. A couple of years later, you shoot 60.” Thus, he let out all the exasperation he had felt throughout the years.

What do you think of Phil Mickelson’s gambling expeditions? Let us know in the comments below.

It has been months since a historic event in golfing history. Yes, the event in question is none other than the $3 billion LIV Golf and PGA Tour merger. This merger faced a huge backlash from thousands of fans around the world and golf legends like Tiger Woods, Phil Mickelson, and many others. Interestingly, there were eminent names who backed the Saudi-funded LIV Golf and its players like 2022 Masters Champion Jon Rahm.

Months after the faceoff between Rahm and Woods, 2022 NBA finalist Jayson Tatum recently made a controversial statement. And, it might disappoint Tiger Woods fans.

NBA finalist makes a choice between Tiger Woods and Jon Rahm

Boston Celtics star Jayson Tatum recently participated in his first-ever ProAm in Memphis a few hours ago. Although it was his first major appearance, the 6-foot-8 inches tall star had some good help.

It was none other than Jon Rahm. The Spaniard was more than happy to guide Tatum in this new sport and he also revealed that the two had met unofficially in the past.

“When they told me I couldn’t get no sleep last night”, said Tatum when asked about his initial reaction to the news of playing with Rahm. He further added, “You know, he’s my favorite golfer. Super cool, down to Earth. We had great conversations, pretty funny”.

Tiger Woods

Tatum’s latest comments might come to haunt him later. After all, he sported a Tiger Woods t-shirt ahead of Game 5 of the 2022 NBA Finals against the Golden State Warriors and Stephen Curry.

Not only Woods, but the Celtics star had honored late NBA legend Kobe Bryant with his outfits. Moreover, he also didn’t forget Michael Jordan, who is a close associate of Woods.

Woods and Rahm had very different opinions about LIV Golf

The current world No 1, Jon Rahm, didn’t really comment that often about the Saudi-backed competition. On the other hand, former world no 1, Woods, was going all out!

“I think that what they’ve done is they’ve turned their back on what has allowed them to get to this position”. said Woods when asked about his thoughts on players joining LIV Golf ahead of the merger according to CNN.

Interestingly, the legend had been offered a nine-digit salary to play in the competition. However, the billionaire declined. Unlike Woods, Rahm didn’t feel negative about the players.

“I’ve never had any negative feelings towards any player that went over to LIV”, said the 2022 champion when asked about his stance.

What are your thoughts on Jayson Tatum’s comments? Let us know in the comments below.

Charlie Woods will play alongside his father at this weekend’s PNC Championship in Florida with all eyes again on the 14-year-old

Tiger Woods advised his son to copy the swing of rival Rory McIlroy instead of his own, and golf fans have spotted that the 14-year-old is doing just that. Woods Jr was videoed ahead of this weekend’s PNC Championship, when he will play alongside his father, and viewers were quick to comment on the teenager’s swing.

Instead of telling his son to copy his own game Woods, who has won 15 Major championships, paid the ultimate compliment to world No.1 McIlroy. “I told [Charlie], ‘Don’t copy my swing. Copy Rory’s’,” Woods Sr said. “Have you ever seen Rory off balance on a shot?

“No. Not ever. You can swing as hard as you want, but you need to have balance.” Woods Jr seems to have been taking note of his father’s advice and fans were quick to notice the resemblance ahead of the competition this weekend.

The PGA Tour champions posted the video on Instagram with the comment: “Charlie Woods swing update.” Alongside an emoji of a tiger and golfer.” Others were quick to compliment the teenager’s swing. The PNC Championship replied: “Swing is looking good”.

Tiger Woods and Charlie Woods

Others believed that the swing of Woods Jr looked beyond his years. franko_1121 added: “Looks 14. Swings like he’s 30.” Other fans made the comparison between the swing of McIlroy and Woods Jr in the video. jburnett22 added: “I thought that was Rory.”

Woods Sr is still suffering from the leg injuries he suffered in an horrific car crash last year and has been caddy for some of his son’s events while also offering his advice. Fans believed that advice is now paying off, mrdior11 added: “Tiger said “Copy Rory’s swing not mine” ITS WORKING!”

Another golf fan believed that Woods Jr has taken parts of his father’s swing and that of four-time Major winner McIlroy. mike_nevins added: “That swing is a Tiger and Rors collab and it’s gorgeous.”

Woods Jr recently shot his best ever round, carding a four-under-par 64 to secure a place in the Notah Begay III Junior Golf National Championship. Woods Sr has also commented about his son’s improved striking of the ball. He said: “I hate to say it, but I’m going to admit it. He [Charlie] finally did it [outdrove me] a few weeks ago. I spun one, he tomahawked one and got me.”

It’s heartening to see top athletes, renowned mainly for their on-field triumphs, stepping beyond the limelight for broader societal causes. Recently, Tiger Woods made headlines by venturing into a new role, further emphasizing the greater responsibilities athletes feel towards the community.

Just after this, another shining star from the PGA Tour isn’t just standing on the sidelines, but he’s actively diving into a significant initiative of his own. With these greats leading the way, one can’t help but wonder: Who is this next sporting icon to make waves off the field?

More Than Just a Game, Playing for a Cause

Collin Morikawa, a standout figure in contemporary golf, recently took to social media to announce his heartfelt pledge to support Hawaii, a region currently grappling with devastating wildfires. In his post, he shared an emotional connection to Maui, where his grandfather once owned The Morikawa Restaurant on Front Street in Lahaina. With Lahaina and several other parts of Maui and the Big Island being severely impacted by the ongoing wildfires, Morikawa felt a compelling duty to step up.

Tiger Woods

Determined to make a difference, the PGA Tour star made a public commitment: For every birdie he scores during the playoffs, he will be donating $1000 to support the affected communities in Hawaii. While the exact beneficiary of these funds hasn’t been identified as of yet, Morikawa promises to keep his followers updated on where the money will be channeled to maximize the support and aid to the Hawaiian people.

Fans are praising Morikawa for this move. His gesture is more than just about golf; it’s about helping a community in need. As fans watch the playoffs, every good shot Morikawa makes will now also mean more help for Hawaii.

Driving Change Both On and Off the Course

On Monday, July 31, a group of 41 professionals penned a letter to PGA Tour Commissioner Jay Monahan, demanding a greater say in the tour’s decision-making processes. The PGA Tour followed suit and added Tiger Woods as the sixth Players Director. This move followed criticisms from players, who felt blindsided by the PGA Tour’s merger with the Public Investment Fund. Now, Player Directors hold the majority, ensuring increased player influence in future decisions.

This shift in board dynamics signals a new era for the PGA Tour, recognizing the pivotal role players play not just on the green but in the boardroom too. With the likes of Tiger Woods amplifying player perspectives, it’s anticipated that future decisions will more closely align with players’ interests and concerns, ultimately benefiting the sport as a whole.

It’s inspiring to see sports stars like Tiger Woods and Collin Morikawa doing more than just playing golf. They’re making positive changes both inside the PGA Tour and in the larger community. Their actions show that athletes can make a big difference in the world beyond just their sport.

Although Tiger Woods is a legend who is laser-focused on his game when on the golf course, he is also known for his colorful life outside.

NUCLR Golf recently shared a photograph of the golfing legend with the Hooters Girls on the Hooters wall in Florida. The photograph seemed quite old, as Tiger appeared relatively young, with a cheerful smile, surrounded by girls.

The golf tracking Twitter handle wrote:

“🐅👱‍♀️ — Hang it in the Louvre — 🐐 🖼️”

Here’s a look at some of the reactions:

“Where was John Daly?”

“Tiger Woods with a grin so big even the owl in the logo blushed!”

“Only one had a chance.😂

“Have a meal and play 18 holes at the same time.”

“They didn’t have to label him lol everyone knows Eldrick!!”

“Smorgasboard ….”

“Love that picture!!!”

“One GOAT, 3 mids, 7 goats.”

“Tiger is the 🐐 on and off course if ya know what I mean.”

“I need this on a tee shirt.”

“Glory days.”

Tiger Woods

Why is Tiger Woods not playing at the FedEx St. Jude Championship?

Tiger Woods is absent from this week’s FedEx St. Jude Championship as he is still recovering from the subtalar fusion surgery he underwent a few months ago. He was struggling with post-traumatic arthritis from his previous talus fracture and had to withdraw from the Masters on the final day.

The 47-year-old golfer had a severe car accident a couple of years ago, which resulted in him developing plantar fasciitis. Since 2021, he has not appeared in many tournaments.

Earlier this year, he announced that he would only participate in the majors and a handful of other events moving forward to allow his body ample rest.

Woods has participated in the FedEx Cup Playoffs 12 times and emerged victorious twice. He held the record for most titles for 15 years until 2022, when Rory McIlroy secured his third FedEx Cup title. His first win came in 2007, during the inaugural edition of the Playoffs.

Two years later, Wowods clinched his second Playoff title. Both of his victories happened when the playoffs consisted of four events, which were reduced to three after 2018. He remains the third-highest earner in the Playoffs, amassing earnings of $39,042,804 in 26 starts.

In addition to his two wins, the 15-time major champion has secured two runner-up finishes and one third-place finish in the Playoffs. His most recent appearance in the Playoffs was in 2020, where he finished 62nd. His most recent victory in a Playoffs event was at the 2018 Tour Championship, where he beat Billy Horschel by two strokes.

Here’s Tiger’s performance in the Playoffs over the years:

  • 2007: 1
  • 2008: 70
  • 2009: 1
  • 2010: 42
  • 2011: 132
  • 2012: 3
  • 2013: 2
  • 2014: 218
  • 2015: 178
  • 2018: 2
  • 2019: 42
  • 2020: 63

Tiger Woods was named the latest addition to the PGA Tour Policy Board earlier this month. The legendary golfer took on the role of Player Director, becoming the sixth one in the circuit’s 11-member policy board. The decision was welcomed by players and officials alike, including PGA Tour Commissioner Jay Monahan.

The PGA Tour chief on Wednesday commented on the August 1 announcement and stated that Woods’ rise to power on the board was imminent. He added that he “couldn’t say yes fast enough.”

Jay Monahan said, as quoted by the Golf channel:

“I couldn’t say yes fast enough, because he’s essentially been, in a certain way, in that role behind the scenes. I think it’s a tremendous statement, and it gives our players great confidence to know that he’s in that spot.”

It is pertinent to note that the decision to appoint Woods to the circuit’s policy board was taken after a 41-member players group, including world No. 1 Scottie Scheffler, Rory McIlroy, and Jon Rahm, reportedly wrote to Monahan demanding action.

The golfers, shocked by last month’s announcement of a framework agreement with the Public Investment Fund of Saudi Arabia, had voiced the need for a player representative like Woods on the board.

Commenting on the appointment, Monahan further stated that the ace golfer was “going to be very involved” in the Tour’s functioning going forward.

 Tiger Woods

He added:

“Tiger Woods doesn’t do anything lightly, and so he’s going to be very involved. He already is, and I expect as we go forward that will only continue. He brings a level of accountability to what he does every single day, and I think he’ll bring a level of accountability to us alongside his fellow player directors that will ultimately get us to the right place.”

Rory McIlroy dubs Tiger Woods a ‘great addition’ to the policy board

Apart from Monahan, several players were also ecstatic about Tiger Woods’ latest role. Fellow player director Rory McIlroy dubbed Woods a “great addition” to the circuit’s board.

The Irishman said:

“It’s a great addition. The player over the last 20 years that’s left the biggest legacy on the game, for him to be involved in the discussions around the future of professional golf and what that may look like I think is very important.

Tiger has stepped up for all of us on Tour, and I think he realizes that the players that are on the policy board were trying to play regular golf, and at the same time try to navigate all these different things, as well. He’s maybe got a little more time on his hands than we do.”

It is pertinent to note Tiger Woods’ appointment to the board also provided a breather for Jay Monahan, who came under public scrutiny over PGA Tour’s deal with PIF. Much like players, the fans had also called for transparency in the circuit’s functioning.

After a significant change in PGA Tour’s management last Tuesday with Tiger Woods becoming the sixth player director of the policy board, this new position has affirmed to the players that there lies a voice that would take into consideration their rights and transparency.

With Woods’ role now defined, world No. 3 golfer has made a bizarre plea to the PGA Tour in a presser ahead of the FedEx Cup playoff series.

PGA Tour loyalist makes a hysterical appeal amidst a presser in Memphis

The FedEx Cup playoffs are one of the most anticipated series of events taking place at the end of the PGA Tour season. And only the top 70 will get a chance at the FedEx St. Jude Championship. Out of those top 70 names, Jon Rahm is currently in first place. And this two-time major winner made a hilarious confession in a presser lately.
He said in the press conference, “A freaking Port-a-Potty on every hole. I know it sounds crazy, but I can’t choose when I have to go to the bathroom. I’ve told the Tour this many times, as simple as that,” outlining the fact that he requires a portable bathroom, which he expects the PGA Tour to have. By mentioning the PGA Tour, he indirectly hinted at Tiger Woods paying heed to his silly demands.
 Tiger Woods

What is the new with the FedEx Cup format?

The FedEx Cup playoffs are the most awaited series of events on the PGA Tour schedule. It has a hefty purse of $76 million and a handsome amount of $18 million sealed in the name of the winner.

But this year, the FedEx Cup has introduced a significant change in its format. While previously there were 125 players who could compete in the FedEx St. Jude Championship, this year the list has been cut short to the top 70 in the FedEx Cup standings, which will take place at the TPC Southwind golf course on August 10.

And then, followed by a progressive cut, the remaining top 50 standings will make it to the BMW Championship. Finally, the series will conclude with the TOUR Championship, which will follow a stroke-based system and feature the best 30 FedEx Cup standings.

Tiger Woods’ PopStroke golf is headed to Las Vegas. According to a news release, ground will be broken on Aug. 16 for the miniature golf and entertainment experience at the Town Square shopping and dining complex just south of the Las Vegas Strip.

A three-acre course will feature two 18-hole putting greens as well as a two-story restaurant, multiple bars, and an outdoor beer garden featuring games such as corn hole and foosball.

Unlike the windmills and tunnels of run-of-the-mill putt-putt, each PopStroke features two 18-hole mini golf courses designed by Woods and his TGR Design team. That includes Augusta-like holes created in miniature that incorporate fairways, bunkers, and roughs as seen on traditional golf courses.

PopStroke describes itself as “an experiential golf and casual dining concept merging a dynamic, technologically advanced golf environment with food and beverage.”

Tiger Woods’ PopStroke golf

“PopStroke continues to use golf to bring families and friends together in a fun, welcoming environment,” Tiger Woods said in a press release. “I am excited to see PopStroke expanding into these new cities.”

Woods and Popstroke have partnered with the Taylormade equipment manufacturing company on the project, giving an opening date only as Q1 2024.

The new location, at 6605 S. Las Vegas Blvd., will be PopStroke’s first in Nevada. The brand is headquartered in Jupiter, Florida, and has locations in Orlando, Sarasota, Tampa, Fort Myers, and Port Saint Lucie, as well as in Glendale, Ariz. and Houston, Tex. New PopStroke venues are already under construction in Scottsdale, Ariz., Delray Beach, Fla., and Tuscaloosa, Ala.

Golf War?

Less than two weeks ago, a similar miniature golf and drinking/dining experience, Swingers Crazy Golf, just announced its plans to open next year inside Mandalay Bay. That’s less than two miles from Town Square.

While Las Vegas is renown for supporting similar experiences closer than they can thrive in most other destinations, that is still pretty close for experiences that are pretty similar.

In addition, Topgolf is at the MGM Grand, which is three miles from Town Square.

The PGA TOUR has released its highly anticipated schedule for the 2024 FedExCup Season, containing a number of intriguing upgrades and innovations that are likely to captivate fans and players alike. This is an impressive demonstration of the ongoing influence of golf superstar Tiger Woods.

Eight Signature Events make up the new schedule, each with its own distinctive twists but one sticks out particularly: the Genesis Invitational, a competition that will be hosted by none other than the unstoppable Tiger Woods. Let’s find out more.

Tiger Woods’ endorsement ignites Genesis Invitational’s prestige

Tiger Woods is making waves in the golf industry once again through the Genesis Invitational. This competition has grown to be a showcase for elite players as well as proof of Tiger Woods’ ongoing influence on the game. His continued importance is highlighted in the PGA announcement, making the Genesis Invitational as one of the few competitions with a notable rise in the winner’s payout.

The winner’s prize money distribution at the three player-hosted invitationals (the Arnold Palmer Invitational presented by Mastercard, the Memorial Tournament presented by Workday, and the Genesis Invitational) will designate 20 percent to the victor, a significant increase from the previous 18 percent, in a move that reflects the PGA TOUR’s commitment to honoring extraordinary performance.

Tiger Woods_

This further emphasizes the importance of these competitions on the PGA TOUR calendar as it means that the victor of each of these events, including the Genesis Invitational, will receive a whopping $4 million in prize money.

Shaping golf’s future: Tiger Woods’ continuing impact

A 36-hole cut will be used in these three player-hosted competitions. All competitors who are within 10 strokes of the lead and the top 50 players and ties will advance to the remaining two rounds. The rest of the signature events will not have a cut-line.

Amazingly, over ten years after the PGA Tour switched to a calendar-year season, Woods’ influence is still felt. The 15-time major championship champion assertively stated his preference for keepitng the cut in his tournament, the Genesis Invitational, which he personally hosts.

The argument made by Tiger Woods is that there should be a punishment for poor performance. “I think that there should be a cut there,” Woods said. His viewpoint is consistent with his steadfast belief that players must exhibit their abilities in order to advance in a tournament.

Golf fans are excitedly anticipating the start of the 2024 FedExCup Season, and it is obvious that Tiger Woods has had a significant impact on the game. His role as tournament host and the changes made reflect his continued legacy and dedication to the development and evolution of golf. What’s your take on Tiger Woods’ ongoing leadership in golf? Share your thoughts in the comments below.