English golfer Matthew Southgate has relived the moment he met his hero Tiger Woods Credit: Matthew Southgate Facebook

The Es𝑠e𝑥-born pro feared his career and indeed life could come to a premature end after his devastating diagnosis in 2015.

But now he has recounted the tale of seeing then world No 1 Woods at the 2002 Open in Muirfield – after begging his dad to get to the course early.

The 14-time Major champion was on course for the Grand Slam until a fierce storm in the third round blew apart his hopes and he carded an 81.

But Southgate relived the moment earlier in the week when he finally saw in person the “hand that had waved to a million fans, the hand that had picked out a hundred incredible putts”.

Southgate tells it best. Here is his touching story in his own words.

He wrote on Facebook: “In 2002 the Open Championship was held at Muirfield and as always I packed the tent and went to Scotland to spectate the whole week from start to finish.

Matthew Southgate this weeks to play against his hero Tiger Woods Credit: Getty

Tiger Woods’ hopes for a Grand Slam were blown off course during the 2002 Open at Muirfield Credit: AP

“It was mid-morning on the Tuesday and I heard a conversation from inside the ropes that Tiger was going to play at 6am the following day to miss the hustle and bustle of the masses trying to get a glimpse of the world number one.

“I told dad my inside info but he shrugged it off as rumour. On and on I went throughout the afternoon and into the evening.

“I set my alarm for 5am and it was one of those early mornings where you are so excited you don’t have to rub your eyes, they just ping open and you know the day could be amazing!

This photo appears to show Tiger Woods on the day he met Matthew Southgate Credit: PA

“I jostled dad about in his bed and forced him to wake up. “Come on, dad, it’s Tiger, it’s Tiger,” I said.

“He got up and off we set. We arrived at Muirfield and there was not a soul in sight.

“We made our way up the entrance road to the club and then we heard a car. A 4X4 with blacked out windows rolled past us and pulled into the greenskeepers’ shed no more than 100 yards in front of us.

“Dad got a trot on and I dashed behind. The car pulled into a space and stopped, there we both stood, hearts fluttering in our chests at what could be something very special.

“The front left door opened and out stepped American journeyman pro John Cook.

“The back left door then opened and out hopped Stevie Williams (Tiger’s caddie).

“Then time seemed to almost come to a standstill. It was as if my little life had gone into slow motion and the right back door began to open.

“Two feet plonked onto the floor with Nike swoosh down the side on the right hand side as I looked.

“A hand past itself out to the door handle, it was a hand that I knew. It was a hand that I had seen wave to a million fans, a hand that had picked out a hundred incredible putts.

Tiger Woods missed the cut in his season opener at Torrey Pines and will look to bounce back in Dubai Credit: AP

“It was a hand that had held pretty much any golf trophy worth winning.

“It was of course the hand of Tiger Woods.

“He was just right there and strike me down if I’m lying, the only people that were anywhere near the guy was me and my dad.

“My rumour was true and I think my little face in this picture sums up how lucky that made me feel that morning!”

Southgate has failed to make the cut in three starts this year with a lowest round of 71.

But clearly he is inspired by going up against the man who changed the sport – even if he failed to make the weekend at Torrey Pines on his return to the PGA Tour after 18 months out due to back surgery.

Matthew Southgate has previous experience playing with big names, such as Rory McIlroy Credit: Getty

And Southgate is using that memory and his examples of overcoming his own personal adversity as inspiration to turn around his form in the Dubai Desert Classic which starts on Thursday.

He added: “Fifteen years later here I am, sat in the Grand Millennium Hotel in Dubai in preparation for that special chance us golfers all dreamt of, the week I get to go toe-to-toe with the Tiger!

“It’s only just now as I write this that some sense of achievement has sunk in.

“I’ve had some tough stuff to deal with along the way.

The Es𝑠e𝑥-born golfer is relishing the chance to go up against Tiger Woods Credit:

“What with little Hattie and the impact of her health on my family, my own health issues and the scare of maybe losing my career completely and seven trips to Tour school pursuing my little childhood dreams.

“Well, with the help of my family, my friends, support from all corners of the globe and lot of bloody hard work I find myself here.

“I don’t care what happens this week. I am going to enjoy reminding myself that somewhere out there on the course is a certain Mr Woods and we are both doing our jobs in the same office this week. That will make me smile.

“Mr Woods, it is a pleasure, best of luck and play well.”