The legendary face-off between Tiger Woods and Stephen Ames at the 2006 Dell Technologies Match Play event remains indelible in the minds of golf enthusiasts. Ames, then a lesser-known name in the sport, dared to challenge Woods, suggesting that Woods’s unpredictable driving could turn the odds in his favour. Little did Ames know that his taunts would only serve to stoke the competitive fire within Woods, reminiscent of the old saying – a tiger never forgets.
In a display of unrivaled dominance, Woods, fueled by Ames’s comments, went on to annihilate his opponent 9 & 8, triumphing in every hole of the front nine. His extraordinary performance included a staggering seven birdies and two pars over just nine holes. This victory was particularly sweet for Woods, who later conceded that Ames’s remarks had given him an extra edge.
The incident has since become a cornerstone in golf history, a testament to Woods’s ability to convert criticism into motivation for success. Prominent golf instructor Hank Haney recently reminisced on Twitter about the incident, stating that Ames’s remarks had noticeably irked Woods. Jonathan Yarwood, a golf coach who was at the tournament, humorously referred to the event as a “total flex” by Tiger, a testament to his invincibility during his prime.
For those who thought time may have dulled Woods’s fiery persona, they were proven wrong. The golf legend showed he still has the knack for a fight during the 2022 Player Impact Program. It all started with Phil Mickelson prematurely declaring himself the winner of the $8 million top prize. Woods, however, had other plans and in a dramatic twist, surpassed Mickelson to clinch the grand prize, leaving Mickelson with a lesser $6 million consolation prize.
Adding insult to injury, Woods couldn’t resist a cheeky jab at Mickelson on Twitter, sharing a screenshot of the final standings alongside a simple “whoops”. Mickelson, who has since taken a break from the game following his controversial comments about a potential new Saudi-backed rival golf league, has yet to respond.
The friendly rivalry between these two golf icons has spanned years, with Woods continuing to demonstrate his ability to deliver a powerful punch – whether on the golf course or social media. Have any other memorable moments featuring Woods caught your eye? Feel free to share in the comments section below.
