Tiger Woods once put a member of Open Championship security in their place after being denied access to a course. Woods, a three-time winner of the Claret Jug (2000, 2005, 2006), needs no introduction to sports fans worldwide. However, his transcendent accomplishments passed by a security guard at Royal Troon, who attempted to block Woods' path after the golfing great forgot his security credentials.
Recounting the Incident
The humorous incident was recounted by professional golfer Michael Kim on social media. He explained: "At the Open Championship, players get a clip as credentials to get you into the locker room and everywhere else. Mid-2000s, Tiger forgot his clip one day, and he was walking into the locker room when the security person stopped him, asking for his credentials. Tiger looks around, sees a massive billboard with his name and face on it, points to it, says, 'That's my credentials,' and walked into the locker room."
Woods, now 50, is not present at Royal Birkdale for the final major of the year. He has maintained a low profile since being involved in a rollover car crash near his Florida home earlier this year.
Car Crash and Legal Troubles
His Land Rover struck a landscaping lorry and ended up on its side. While neither Woods nor the other driver sustained significant injuries, officers observed that Woods displayed signs of impairment. Although his breathalyser test returned negative for alcohol, he declined a urine test and was discovered with prescription hydrocodone (a painkiller) tablets in his possession. He was subsequently arrested and charged with driving under the influence (DUI), property damage, and refusing to submit to a lawful test.
Following the crash, Woods entered a not guilty plea and requested a jury trial. He then announced he was taking time away from golf to pursue treatment and concentrate on his health. Woods recently completed six weeks in a rehabilitation facility in Switzerland.
Return to Public Eye
Woods made his first major public appearance since the car crash at the Travelers Championship last month. He spoke briefly at a news conference to introduce PGA Tour CEO Brian Rolapp. Woods stated: "How do we build the strongest possible version of the PGA Tour? This work was never about any one player or person, it was about bringing together different perspectives, having honest, hard conversations, and thinking boldly about what is best for the game we all love."
His arrest and subsequent absence were not mentioned during the conference. Rolapp unveiled changes to the PGA Tour schedule that will take effect in 2028.
