Tiger Woods warning walkaway Rory McIlroy to wise up
TIGER WOODS has issued a stern warning to world No 1 Rory McIlroy – think before you open your mouth!
McIlroy shocked the golf world by walking off the Florida course after just eight holes in the Honda Classic on Friday after a nightmare start to his round.
The 23-year-old Northern Irishman told reporters: “I’m just in a bad place mentally.” He later blamed pain in a wisdom tooth which meant he was unable to concentrate.
Former world number one and 14-times major winner Woods, who carded a third consecutive even-par 70 yesterday, was asked whether he had talked to McIlroy about handling the media focus.
“He’s just got to think about it a little bit more before he says something or does something,” said Woods.
“It can get out of hand, especially when you get into social media and start tweeting and all those different things that can go wrong.”
Woods has seen both sides of the media, having been elevated to superstar status during his glory years and then watching his marriage fall apart under the public gaze after a series of affairs came to light.
He's just got to think about it a little bit more before he says something or does something
He has also had to deal with constant questioning of his ability to get back to his best, changes of coach, a re-worked swing and injuries that led him to withdraw from tournaments.
Woods, who is 14 years older than McIlroy, says the media was a very different beast from when he first become world No 1.
“I’ve been through it for a long time. But this is a slightly different era. It’s even faster than what it was when I came out,” said Woods.
With his disappointing early-season form, the focus on McIlroy will be about his recent change to Nike clubs and his self-confessed swing troubles.
Fellow Northern Irish golfer Graeme McDowell has noticed a difference in his friend McIlroy.
He said: “His demeanour looks a little different. I felt he was a little off with his golf swing on the range.
“There were a few moans and groans coming from the bay next to me. That’s the sign of a guy who’s lacking a little technique in his swing and a little belief in his game.”