Rory McIlroyAlthough he had a great season, there are still some things he regrets.
Im like, F—ing hell, Ive just given Tiger COVID!
In an interview with the Sunday IndependentMcIlroy recalled the circumstances that led to him. Tiger WoodsBoth receive COVID-19 before The Open.
McIlroy stated that he felt the first symptoms during a game in Ireland at JP McManus Pro-Am, a week and half before The Open at St Andrews.
Adare Manors 36-hole, two day event featured nine of top 10 players at the time. Woods was also in the field. McIlroy said that everyone had COVID.
Tiger needed a rest after playing Monday and Tuesday. McIlroy stated that we had played two days at Adare and that the plan was to play Ballybunion Thursday. I woke up that morning feeling a little achy, but I didnt think much about it. JP [McManus]He gave us his chopper and we went down with Sean (my manager). [OFlaherty]Rob, Tigers manager [McNamara]. We made it to Adare and I was able to fly back. As I am getting up from my table, I feel stiff, sore, and tired. Erica, my wife, asked me if I was feeling strange. Im going upstairs to lay down for a while. I slept for about two hours, and the sweat was just coming off of me. Erica then took my temperature, and it was very high. I called Tiger to tell him that I wasnt feeling well. I rang Tiger and he said, Im not feeling so well here. This is terrible! This is why we both had COVID before we entered The Open.
McIlroy did not mention that he had tested positive for COVID-19 in his interview, but he described spending the whole week at The Open and not being able to taste anything.
I went to the Champions Dinner on Tuesday night and it was wonderful. McIlroy explained that he was sitting down drinking water when they offered me a glass wine, a lovely 2005 Bordeaux. But I couldn’t taste it. The entire week of The Open, I didnt have any taste. Everything smelled like vinegar. Everything. It was quite strange.
McIlroy came in third at The Open despite not being 100%. Woods was unable to make it.
McIlroy played strong throughout the season and won the FedEx Cup a record three times. He also won two other tournaments, regaining the No. 1 ranking. McIlroy ranked No. 1 in the world rankings. He was also the strongest and most vocal supporter of the PGA Tours challenge by Saudi-funded LIV golf.
Woods hasnt played since The Open, however, he did take home a victory. $15 million bonusThe PGA Tours Player Impact Program is designed to reward players who have generated the most positive interest in the PGA Tour. Woods was scheduled to play this weekend at the 20 man Hero World Challenge. However, he announced Monday that he will not be playing because of plantar fasciitis. Keep him from playing.
McIlroy & Woods will team together for The Match on December 10, where they will play against each other. Justin ThomasAnd Jordan SpiethIn the made for TV event.
This report used information from ESPNs Mark Schlabach (Associated Press).
