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Players wear red and black in honour of Tiger Woods

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On Sunday, we wear red.

Tiger Woods’ car accident on Tuesday dominated headlines beyond the sports world and added yet another chapter to his career. Now, as Woods recovers in hospital,  players and staff showed their support Sunday for the man who inspired many of them to take up the game by copying Woods’ signature Sunday look.

The clothing salute first came into trend when Rory McIlroy stated his intentions after his third round to fly Woods’ colours on Sunday. Shortly thereafter, Justin Thomas and Patrick Reed said they would also show their support, as did a host of others, including Jon Rahm, Cam Champ, Tony Finau, Tommy Fleetwood, and Cameron Smith.

Then the red and black outfits began popping up at other events. Annika Sorenstam, who made her first LPGA start in 13 years this week, showed up Sunday in her Tiger Sunday red, as did the eventual champion Nelly Korda who captured the Gainbridge LPGA.

Tiger Woods was clearly touched by the gesture, tweeting his thanks Sunday night.

“It is hard to explain how touching today was when I turned on the tv and saw all the red shirts. To every golfer and every fan, you are truly helping me get through this tough time.”

Billy Horshchel, who finished T2 at the WGC-Workday Championship etched “TW” on his hat to show his support to Tiger.

(Photo by Sam Greenwood/Getty Images)

And Tiger’s friend and rival Phil Mickelson sported Sunday red on the PGA TOUR Champions Cologuard Classic.

At the Puerto Rico Open, the entire maintenance team showed up with some Tiger flair to their outfits.

And yes, even Gainesville, Florida’s local meteorologist showed up for work Sunday in his rouge et noir.

Needless to say, the whole thing went viral.

But the methods of paying respects extended beyond the dresser. Some players who didn’t pack red and white, or had limited clothing options as a result of contractual obligations, stamped their balls with “TIGER.” Woods’ long-time friend and confidant Fred Couples etched Woods’ name on his ball, as did Bryson DeChambeau, Matt Kuchar, Lexi Thompson and Jason Day.

24-year-old Collin Morikawa became just the second player to win both a major and WGC Event on the PGA Tour Sunday – the other man being, you guessed it, his idol Tiger Woods. Morikawa planned to wear red Sunday to honour Woods but the shirt did not arrive on time. After winning, he simply wanted to say ‘thank you’ to Tiger.

Sunday’s colour-coded respects encapsulate just how much Tiger means to the game and to those who play it at the highest levels. And although he’s not playing, Woods’ was very much a part of the tournament come Sunday—just as he’s so often been throughout the years.

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One thought on “Players wear red and black in honour of Tiger Woods”

  1. Our wishes for a speedy recovery Tiger!
    From myself and the golf gang at Seaforth Golf Course.
    The home of Mike Weirs beginning as a junior her in Canada.
    The fact that it was because of you, a large has been the reason for the increase in this sport.
    This past year because of covid -19 golf was allowed on our
    course and distancing was well governed. No cases here.
    Thank You, for your efforts. The Lord is with you.

    Reply