Tiger Woods reveals how Brooks Koepka snubbed his request before The Open
TIGER WOODS has joked how Brooks Koepka snubbed his request to tag along for a practice round ahead of The Open.
US Open: Tiger Woods discusses course ahead of championship
The 148th Open returns to Northern Ireland for only the second time in it’s illustrious history this week as it returns to Royal Portrush.
While locals such as Rory McIlroy, Graeme McDowell and Darren Clarke will no doubt have an advantage over the rest of the field, there are plenty of others to keep an eye out for.
Top of that list will be reigning PGA Championship winner Brooks Koepka, who has enjoyed unrivalled success over the past 14 months.
The 29-year-old has won three majors - two PGA Championship titles and the 2018 US Open - as well as finishing second at both The Masters and US Open this year.
And he will also have a key advantage this week at Royal Portrush, given that his caddie Ricky Elliott was born and raised in the Northern Ireland town.
Woods, like most of the field, has never played at the Dunluce links course.
He was hoping to lean on the world No 1 for some help leading up to The Open this week, but he wasn’t successful in getting his attention.
"I texted Brooksie, congratulations on another great finish," Woods said.
"What he's done in the last four major championships has been just unbelievable.
“To be so consistent, so solid.
“He's been in contention to win each and every major championship.
“And I said, 'Hey, dude, do you mind if I tag along and play a practice round?'.
“I’ve heard nothing!"
But Woods has praised his own caddie Joe LaCava for doing his homework as he bids to win a 16th career major.
"We have to do quite a bit of homework trying to figure out what the best lines are," he added.
"Joey has done just an unbelievable job of getting numbers.”