Tiger woods was mobbed by fans after jetting into Northern Ireland for this week’s Open.
The winner of 15 Majors was the star attraction yesterday at Royal Portrush, as the The Open returns to the Irish coast for the first time in 68 years.
A crowd of 10,000 turned up for the practice day with a massive scrum of autograph-hunters desperate for the American superstar’s signature.
Woods was given the rock-star treatment – just a couple of hours after stepping off his flight from Florida – as security guards held back fans.
He has not played since finishing tied for 21st at last month’s US Open, preferring instead to go on holiday to Thailand with his family. “The clubs stayed in the travel case,” he said. “I didn’t do a damn thing.
“But the break is always great for my golf, especially now. We had the greatest time. We rode elephants, went on a safari, visited the islands. It was an experience. The only thing I didn’t try was the spicy food.”
Woods completed one of sport’s greatest-ever comebacks in April when he overcame his personal demons and years of injury to win the US Masters at Augusta.
He has played only 10 competitive rounds since then and looked slugglish yesterday following his month off.
But US Ryder Cup team-mate Patrick Reed says Woods will be ready to rock when The Open gets under way after a practice round together.
“With how well he has been playing this year you never know what to
expect,” said Reed, winner of the US Masters last year.
“He has had a month off but that can work in your favour. He is re-energised and ready to strike. We have a long way to go to get ready for the event.
“Instead of grinding on the driving range and hitting a bunch of balls, today was about going on to the golf course to see shots and hit the ball.
“We both love to learn about the game and it is always fun to pick each other’s brains.
“You are also trying to get through the jet lag and get stronger and faster and stay moving.”
