What Rory McIlroy did on the driving range recently which even left Tiger Woods stunned

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There cannot be many things in the game of golf which leave Tiger Woods stunned, with the 15-time major champion one of the greatest talents to have ever played the sport.

Tiger Woods is the reason so many within the current game were inspired to try and reach the highest levels of the sport. While Woods was far from being golf’s first superstar, he certainly changed the game when he burst onto the scene in the 1990s; attracting a completely different audience to the game.

What the PGA Tour should have realised, and perhaps acted upon, a long time ago was the challenge ahead when it came to filling the void once Woods’ time at the top of the game came to an end.

There have been some outstanding players since. Scottie Scheffler had the best year since Woods was at his peak in 2024, with the world number one winning nine times worldwide.

Tiger Woods left stunned by Rory McIlroy on the range

Meanwhile, the likes of Dustin Johnson and Jordan Spieth have had spells where they have been by far and away the best players on the planet.

But perhaps no player has come closer to stepping into Woods’ massive shoes than Rory McIlroy. The Northern Irishman flew out of the blocks, winning four majors before he had even turned 26.

McIlroy is arguably the best player of his generation, and it seems that he continues to amaze Woods.

Speaking on the TaylorMade range as McIlroy was hitting the driver, Woods admitted to Tommy Fleetwood that he was stunned watching the 35-year-old.

“Wow, he’s fast. I forgot how much longer he was,” he said.

“Tommy, you got that shot?”

“Rory’s one? Yeah, in two,” Fleetwood replied.

“Yeah, me too. Driver, pitching wedge for me, that’s about right,” Woods added.

Tiger Woods also baffled by club in Tommy Fleetwood’s bag

It was fascinating to watch Woods move between the various TaylorMade players. The likes of Scottie Scheffler, Nelly Korda and Collin Morikawa had Woods watching them at work.

And it seems that Woods was particularly baffled when he got to Fleetwood’s bag – because of one club in particular.

“I can’t believe this, you’re ridiculous,” he told the Englishman when he saw his nine wood.

“Unbelievable golf club, it’s a 235 yard pitching wedge,” Fleetwood said.

It really is interesting to see Woods learning about the equipment some of the current best players in the world are using.

Woods was probably the one person on the range with experience of using the more traditional equipment which was prominent on tour until around the turn of the century.

He appeared to be the player who helped push the limits as the technology improved. And now he is the one being left stunned by the changes which the best players are making.