Rory McIlroy and Tiger Woods are two of golf’s biggest names and greatest ever players but when it comes to aura and making an impression, Woods is top dog.
Over the years, we’ve heard countless tales of players first teeing it up with Tiger, whether it be in practice or in a PGA Tour event.
For Rory McIlroy, that moment came back in 2010, where the Northern Irishman was very much on his own path to greatness. As we know, McIlroy won the US Open in 2011 to announce himself to the world.
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But just a year prior, McIlroy had found himself alongside Woods in a pro event and he admitted that during said round, he could not stop praising Woods.
Rory McIlroy’s admission when he first played with Tiger Woods
Given Tiger’s status in the game and what he brings to the table, it’s little wonder that he has left even some of the best ever blown away.
Back in 2010 at the Chevron World Challenge, McIlroy got his first taste of the Woods experience.
And speaking about that experience to the PGA Tour media, McIlroy conceded he kept repeating himself while watching Woods.
“I played with him at his tournament at Sherwood back in 2010. I’ve never said ‘good shot” as much in my life playing with anyone as I did that day. It was just ‘good shot, good shot, good shot.’ He was consistently hitting great shots the entire day and shot 6 under,” McIlroy admitted.
“I felt pretty nervous the first few holes, but then I settled in and sort of did my thing, was playing OK. Afterwards, inevitably you compare yourself to him and what you’ve just seen. I was thinking definitely he’s better than me there and I can definitely hang with him there and I need to do better with this.”
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Rory McIlroy will be disappointed not be closer to Tiger Woods’ record
McIlroy has had a superb career. There is no question of his greatness and his impact on the game has been massive.
However, given the talent he has in his locker and given he’d won four majors by 2014 in his early 20s, to only have five going into 2026 feels somewhat underwhelming.
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There was a time when many believed Rory would go on to match Woods’ major record but right now, it looks like he’ll finish some way off.
Of course, McIlroy still had time and if he can add one or two more in the next 12 months, he might fancy his chances.
Still, 15 seems a long way away and ultimately, is probably unattainable for McIlroy.
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