Hunter Mahan says what Tiger Woods used to his advantage on the PGA Tour which was ‘so uncomfortable’ for his playing partners

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Those who played alongside Tiger Woods in his heyday had to deal with a lot more than just the great man himself.

Whenever Woods played on the PGA Tour, large crowds, security and the world’s press would follow his every move. So, those grouped with the 15-time major winner experienced something out of the ordinary.

Typically, the lesser-known players would have room to breathe on the PGA Tour, with patrons drawn to the big names: Woods and Phil Mickelson, for example.

Yet, those who found themselves playing alongside Woods near the back end of events had to deal with pressure unlike anything they had experienced before. More often than not, Tiger’s nearest competitors would struggle to handle him and the added worldwide attention.

Hunter Mahan explains what was ‘so uncomfortable’ about playing with Tiger Woods

Speaking on the Par-3 Podcast, Hunter Mahan – who regularly played alongside Woods – discussed what it was like playing alongside him and the vast galleries that followed.

“It’s a huge group. Especially in the phone era when everyone got a phone and it had a camera,” Mahan said.

“We played in the Tour Championship the first two days – this wasn’t even the Sunday or anything – it’s just insanity. And he deals with it every day. He deals with it and makes peace with it. When you step into that circle, it’s like you are in a tornado.

“It’s wild. As a player, you get to tell people what to do, but nobody is listening to you. Tiger’s out in the fairway; they’re all looking at him; they’re not looking at you. So, trying to get anything done was so uncomfortable. He used it to his advantage the whole time.”

• READ MORE: Tiger Woods responds to Scottie Scheffler comparisons and reveals exactly why they are so similar

When is Tiger Woods next playing?

Of course, the latest version of Woods isn’t quite as intimidating. It’s been a long time since a field has had to deal with the 48-year-old near the top end of the leaderboard.

Woods’ latest back surgery in September meant he withdrew from the Hero World Challenge in the Bahamas.

However, the 15-time major winner will feature at the PNC Championship in Orlando alongside his son Charlie. Woods is permitted to use a buggy, which alleviates strain on his body.

Woods will also compete in the TGL, which starts on January 7. Golf fans were left impressed after footage of Woods’ swing emerged late on Friday evening.