Tiger Woods' classy act towards rival at US Open speaks volumes about golf legend

Tiger Woods showed his class by helping out old pal Justin Thomas after both endured tough opening rounds at the US Open. The 15-time major winner saw a promising start unravel on the opening day at Pinehurst.

Woods birdied the opening hole and drove well throughout, but his iron play and putter let him down as he posted a four-over-par 74. It was even worse for former USPGA champion Thomas, who looks almost certain to miss the cut following a seven-over 77.

Both players unsurprisingly took the practice range after their rounds, with Woods, 48, showing particular interest in Thomas, as well as his own game. He eventually approached his younger rival, 31, to offer a few words of guidance.

The exchange won praise from onlookers, with golf reporter James Colgan posting on X: “Tiger stepping in to give Justin Thomas a few pointers on the range after a tough opening round. Not very often you see that at the U.S. Open.”

Despite his well-documented fitness issues following his 2021 car crash, Woods is determined to play on. He made a record 24th consecutive cut in the Masters before carding a third round of 82, his worst-ever score at Augusta National, and also missed the cut in the US PGA Championship.

Woods also needed an invite from the USGA to make it to Pinehurst after his exemption for winning the 2019 Masters expired but insisted: “I’m physically getting better as the year has gone on.

“I just haven’t been able to play as much because I just don’t want to hurt myself pre, then I won’t be able to play in the Major championships. It’s pick your poison, right? Play a lot with the potential of not playing, or not playing and fight being not as sharp.”