Going through the final stages of preparation before the 2019 Open, Tiger Woods has revealed he reach out to star-of-the-moment Brooks Koepka to ask about playing a practice round… only to be ignored.
Joking with reporters in a laid back manner ahead of the tournament, Woods wanted to share a quick story about the current world No 1.
‘I texted Brooksie, congratulations on another great finish,’ began Woods.
Tiger Woods has playfully revealed he was recently snubbed by World No 1 Brooks Koepka
Woods messaged his fellow American about a practice round but received no reply
"I asked if we could play a practice round… I haven't heard back" 🤫@TigerWoods has been trying to find out the secret behind Brooks Koepka's major success ahead of #TheOpen, but with no luck. pic.twitter.com/khKpjwLt9G
— Sky Sports Golf (@SkySportsGolf) July 16, 2019
‘What he’s done in the last four major championships has been just unbelievable. To be so consistent, so solid. He’s been in contention to win each and every major championship.
‘And I said, ‘Hey, dude, do you mind if I tag along and play a practice round? I’ve heard nothing!’
Woods’ tale was met by rapturous laughter, as the man himself couldn’t help cracking into a huge grin.
The pair will face off at Portrush as they attempt to win the 2019 Open Championship
Concerns have mounted over Woods’ lack of playing time entering the tournament, after taking in just 10 competitive rounds of golf between the Masters three months ago and the Open.
Woods won the Masters in spectacular style despite being written off by many experts, though went on to look fatigued at the PGA Championship.
Woods went straight from Pebble Beach to Thailand on a family holiday and concedes his game is not as sharp as he would like ahead of the Open Championship at Royal Portrush, but believes he has no option but to play a limited schedule.
‘Getting myself into position to win the Masters, it took a lot out of me,’ said Woods, who has had four knee operations and four back surgeries during his illustrious career.
Woods heads into the tournament having played little golf, but does not see it as a concern
‘That golf course puts so much stress on the system.
‘Then if you look at that leaderboard after Francesco (Molinari) made the mistake at 12, it seemed like seven, eight guys had a chance to win the golf tournament with only six holes to play.
‘I was reading the leaderboard all the time trying to figure out what the number is going to be, who is on what hole. And it took quite a bit out of me.
‘Seeing my kids there, they got a chance to experience the Open Championship last year after their dad took the lead and then made a few mistakes. And this time they got to see me win a major championship.’
