A misunderstanding led to what Tiger Woods called “one of the most embarrassing moments in my golfing career” during Tuesday night’s TGL simulator league match at Palm Beach Gardens’ SoFi Center.
The 15-time major champion found himself 199 yards from the pin but selected a 56-degree wedge after a communication error with longtime friend Rob McNamara.
Woods had heard “99 yards” when McNamara told him the distance to the pin.
“I heard 99 yards, so I went out there and hit it,” Woods explained after losing the 13th hole to Cameron Young. “I just screwed up. That was embarrassing.”
His Jupiter Links Golf Club teammates Tom Kim and Kevin Kisner noticed the error but couldn’t alert Woods in time.
“What is he doing?” Kisner asked as Woods prepared to swing. “It looks like he has a wedge,” Kim added before both collapsed in laughter as the shot traveled its intended—but insufficient—100 yards.
“I heard 99 yards. I didn’t know it was 199,” Woods later told ESPN’s Marty Smith. “I grabbed my 56 and I hit it 100 yards!”
Take a look —
Tiger Woods grabbed the wrong club and Rickie Fowler wasn't gonna let it slide 😂 @TGL pic.twitter.com/EK6Qg45ybd
— ESPN (@espn) February 19, 2025
The moment overshadowed the match result, with New York Golf Club’s team of Rickie Fowler, Matt Fitzpatrick, and Young dominating in a 10-3 victory. At one point, New York led 8-0.
The match marked Woods’ return to competition since withdrawing from the Genesis Invitational following his mother Kultida’s death. While he’s scheduled to play again for Jupiter Links on Tuesday, Feb. 25 at the SoFi Center, his 2025 PGA Tour debut remains uncertain.
During the post-match news conference, when Kim and Kisner were asked what they learned from the match, they deferred to Woods and the mishap.
“I had 99 yards. I hit a 100-yard wedge shot,” Woods admitted with a sheepish smile and chuckle. “That was one of the most embarrassing things… I can’t believe that just happened.”