An absolute blast, says champ

It might have been a private affair but if you have someone like Tiger Woods prowling on the golf course, no amount of security can keep the fans away. 

The greens of historic Delhi Golf Course were scorched by World No 1 American’s fluent strokes on Tuesday and thousands thronged just to catch a glimpse.

Those who couldn’t find the space at the sidelines didn’t mind climbing the Mughal domes of the DGC for a better view. Woods didn’t disappoint either. 

Wearing a blue T-shirt, black trousers and white cap, the 14-time Major champion charmed the gathering with a score of nine-under on the narrow and tricky fairways of DGC. 

He sank a whopping 10 birdies, dropped a shot on the 11th hole and found the bunker twice.  

Woods was initially supposed to play over 14 holes but later changed his mind and the played full 18 holes.

The 38-year-old was here on an invitation from Hero MotoCorp CEO and Managing Director Pawan Munjal to play with him and his guests.

 After finishing his round of golf, Woods spoke to the enthusiastic gathering and said he had a great time teeing off at the DGC.

“It was an absolute blast. It is hard to say how much fun I had. It was a narrow golf course and I was nervous with my tee shot. My best buddy Arjun (Atwal) told me so much about India. I am happy to be here. Thank you so much,” Woods said.

Shiv Kapur, Anirban Lahiri and top Indian woman golfer Sharmila Nicollet featured alongside Woods among others in the exhibition event.  

Amazing experience

“It was an amazing experience. We make him larger than life, but it was good to know that he is a human being. I was thrilled but nervous, too. I will always cherish this memory,” said Lahiri, who played three holes with Woods.

 “I had a light-hearted discussion with him. He has lost a bit of weight and talked about his diet and food. For him to come here, he needed to adapt to the conditions. Despite missing a few putts, he fired so many birdies, which is fantastic. I'm looking forward to playing with him in some big events.”

 Kapur was ecstatic about hitting a birdie on the 17th hole.  “The 17th hole birdie was a special moment, specially to do it in front of the home crowd. It was a fabulous experience playing alongside Woods. We spoke about food and the different course conditions in Dubai and the Delhi Golf Club. Tiger also grew up playing on a narrow course and he is such a straight hitter,” he gushed.

Woods also played a four-ball skills challenge over the last three holes.

He later met another sporting legend, Sachin Tendulkar and his family. Tendulkar was in the Capital to receive the Bharat Ratna, India's highest civilian award. Both of them were staying at ITC Maurya Sheraton and called on each other.

 Woods called the cricketing icon “cool”.  

“Just met a cricket legend and his family. Sachin Tendulkar was so cool, and loved being welcomed to India,” Woods tweeted.