Like many kids his age, Rory McIlroy’s hero growing up was Tiger Woods.
He wore Nike, played aggressively, and imagined winning every major championship. Now, a few decades later, they’re great friends and, arguably, the two most prominent names in the sport. They even spent a few days last week playing golf in Ireland preparing for the Open.
Well, as Woods was walking down 18 at The Old Course for possibly the last time, McIlroy was making his way down the first fairway.
In an acknowledgment of the moment, McIlroy looked at his friend and offered a hat tip. Justin Thomas, who was standing on the first tee, did the same.
Woods’ exit was emotional and an enormous moment in the history of golf.