Woods and Faldo bury hatchet

James Corrigan
Thursday 20 July 2006 00:00 BST
Comments

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Put away the gloves, call off the ring announcer. Nick Faldo and Tiger Woods buried the hatchet here yesterday - and no, not in each others backs - before they partnered together in today's first round.

It was good news for the traditionalists but bad news for the spectators who were looking forward to the frosty atmosphere this long-standing feud was sure to create. On Monday, Faldo said he was standing by the criticisms of Woods' swing more than a year ago that so angered the world No 1, and on Tuesday the latter poured further fuel on the ire by saying he would not be talking to the Englishman.

Well, what a difference a day and a few negative headlines make. On the driving range yesterday evening Faldo noticed Woods and went over to him before initiating a conversation and then a handshake.

After continuing his practice for a while, Faldo then went up behind Woods and started laughing and joking with his former enemy as the balls boomed off into the distance. What exactly was said was not recorded although it is fairly certain the 49-year-old did not lay into the 30-year-old's technique as he had at the Buick Invitational live on American television last year.

As the news spread around Hoylake last night the bookmakers wiped their boards of their most popular novelty bets. It had been 6-4 for the duo not to obey etiquette by shaking hands on the first tee and just 25-1 on them coming to blows. Alas, they will just play golf now. But rather competitively, it is expected.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in