From Rory McIlroy talking fan behavior to Tiger Woods’ resurgence at the Arnold Palmer Invitational, enjoy this edition of Top Quotes of the Week.
“Being able to hang with Tiger, with Arnie, Doc [Giffin] as well, there was a couple other people in the locker room, we just kind of hung out, had a couple drinks, shared stories, and those are kind of priceless moments. Being around Tiger and Arnie, two of the greatest guys to ever play the game, kind of a special hour or so that we all got to hang out and spend together.” – on his favorite Arnie moment being the 2013 Arnold Palmer Invitational, when he lost to Woods in a Monday finish.
“I’ll forever cherish the memories we’ve built together. Thank you, Golf Channel, for an incredible run.” – bidding a very fond farewell to Golf Channel.
“I have been away from it for so long and they were so young when I was playing well they don’t remember any of it. So this is pretty neat for me to be able to experience this with them.” – on getting in the mix with his kids watching.
“Dude, if I knew I’d tell you.” – when asked how he produced the fastest club-head speed on the PGA Tour this season – 129.2 mph – after four back surgeries, including fusion surgery to his lower back in April.
“Tiger knows who we are.” – telling her sister Nelly about an interaction with Tiger Woods at the Medalist in South Florida this past offseason.
“It was quite frustrating for me. Obviously I’ve grown up watching golf, and Phil [Mickelson’s] been around a helluva long time, and I’m trying my best to beat him. But I just found that slightly off-putting and it was sort of, when I came away from the tournament, it’s frustrating that that actually happened.” – on the situation at the WGC-Mexico Championship, when he was put on the clock while playing with Phil Mickelson.
“After a little bit of thought I said, you know what, that sounds like something I really want to do. I called [Tour commissioner Jay Monahan] and said, ‘Hey Jay, might you be interested in me possibly being the captain of the 2019 Presidents Cup team?’ Silence. Then he said, ‘Yeah, I think we might be able to work that out.’ So here I am.” – on the decision to captain the 2019 U.S. Presidents Cup team.
“Seeing the putt go in on 17, that’s Tiger-esque stuff. I mean back in the day when you’re watching, you’re like, ‘Oh my gosh,’ he pulled that off sort of thing. I said after the practice round at Torrey Pines that he’s going to win this year. I don’t know when it was, but he almost did it at Valspar, which is pretty amazing.” – on Tiger Woods’ resurgence at the Valspar and Arnold Palmer Invitational.
“I was going to go over and have a chat with him. I think it’s gotten a little much, to be honest. I think they need to limit the alcohol sales on the course, or they need to do something, because every week it seems like guys are complaining about it more and more.” – suggesting the possibility of limiting alcohol sales at PGA Tour events after a fan repeatedly yelled his wife’s name (Erica) during the third round at the Arnold Palmer Invitational.
“It focused your mind. I was definitely more nervous today – it took me a hole or two to settle into my round 100 percent, just because there’s more energy out there on the course.” – on getting used to playing in a group with Tiger Woods again.
“It makes my heart flutter. It makes me feel good that they are able to know about our history this week.” – one of the LPGA’s original founders, on the respect shown by today’s players at the Bank of Hope Founders Cup.
