Tiger Woods’ confession that he regretted not having a better balance between his career and home life mirrors Rory McIlroy’s admission surrounding his divorce saga.
The 15-time major champion is the most recognisable player in the history of the sport and one of the most successful. Despite his unparalleled golf career, which has seen him surpass the billionaire status, Woods previously opened up about one regret that he has about his life on the links.
Rory McIlroy and Tiger Woods are business partners (Image: Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
Speaking in 2017, the California native was asked what advice he’d tell his 21-year-old self. He said not being so full on in terms of competing and trying to have a healthy balance between his sporting career and his personal life. “I’d have to say be patient on scheduling, don’t do too much,” Woods, 49, said in an interview for Living Golf.
“[Get] different hobbies to get away from the game, have a life balance,” the then-41-year-old Woods insisted, before adding: “I think that’s so important.” Woods’ words have rung true for McIlroy, who made a touching admission during his appearance in the new season of Netflix’s golf docuseries Full Swing.
The Northern Irishman’s personal life hit the headlines last year when he filed for divorce from his wife Erica Stoll, a day after winning the Wells Fargo Championship in May. However, just a month later, court records in Palm Beach County showed that “a notice of voluntary dismissal” was filed with the divorce proposal marked as “closed”.
The 35-year-old addressed the divorce controversy in episode three of the hit show, with his comments emerging this week. Like Woods, he was brutally honest in his struggle to find stability in his career while being the best father and husband he can be.
McIlroy and Woods have faced similar issues during their career ( Image: AP)
“Thankfully, everything has worked out for the best and we’re happy and moving forward and I can’t wait for what lies ahead. Sometimes I struggle with the balance of being the best golfer, the best husband or the best dad,” he said.
The golfing duo have always had a strong relationship and it’s been strengthened by joining forces to launch Tomorrow’s Golf League (TGL) with NBC Sports executive Mike McCarley. The indoor three-on-three league is aimed at bringing in younger fans into golf and sees PGA Tour stars compete inside TGL’s custom venue in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida.
The newly-formed competition has had several F1 stars invest with the likes of Carlos Sainz, Lando Norris, Alex Albon, and Lewis Hamilton displaying their faith in the venture.
