Rory McIlroy Says Tiger Woods Is 'Always The First' To Congratulate Him
The Northern Irishman praises the timing of Tiger Woods’ congratulatory texts in the final episode of Full Swing


The bond shared between Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy is well publicised, with McIlroy frequently praising the 15-time Major winner’s influence on him, and Woods on the record paying tribute to the Northern Irishman’s efforts to defend the PGA Tour amid the emergence of LIV Golf.
That friendship and mutual respect was brought into even sharper focus this week when the two were grouped together with Justin Thomas for the opening two rounds of the Genesis invitational at Riviera Country Club. However, while Woods and McIlroy are not averse to sharing their respect for each other in public, the final episode of Netflix series Full Swing, Everything Has Led To This, proves the duo are close away from the media glare, too.
After winning the FedEx Cup for the third time following his triumph in last August’s Tour Championship at East Lake Golf Club, McIlroy is shown sitting in the locker room, decompressing after a gruelling battle with Scottie Scheffler for the trophy. There, McIlroy checks the text messages on his phone, only to find Woods has already sent his congratulations.
With a broad smile on his face, McIlroy delivers one of the quotes of the series, saying: “He’s always the first. Always. Tiger. Like, he’ll text you, like, before the last putt drops. Always the first. He’s unreal.”
Seeing Rory with Tiger makes this clip from episode 8 hit that much harder #FullSwing pic.twitter.com/FZFzh3VTKwFebruary 17, 2023
It’s a touching moment and an appropriate way for the series to end given the pair’s huge and enduring influence on the PGA Tour. Considering the two have also founded a new company, TMRW Sports, and have launched the upcoming TGL in conjunction with the PGA Tour, it appears that influence is only strengthening as the disruptions at the top of the game continue. Judging by Woods' immediate response to McIlroy's win last August, the same appears to be true of their friendship.
Get the Golf Monthly Newsletter
Subscribe to the Golf Monthly newsletter to stay up to date with all the latest tour news, equipment news, reviews, head-to-heads and buyer’s guides from our team of experienced experts.

Mike has over 25 years of experience in journalism, including writing on a range of sports throughout that time, such as golf, football and cricket. Now a freelance staff writer for Golf Monthly, he is dedicated to covering the game's most newsworthy stories.
He has written hundreds of articles on the game, from features offering insights into how members of the public can play some of the world's most revered courses, to breaking news stories affecting everything from the PGA Tour and LIV Golf to developmental Tours and the amateur game.
Mike grew up in East Yorkshire and began his career in journalism in 1997. He then moved to London in 2003 as his career flourished, and nowadays resides in New Brunswick, Canada, where he and his wife raise their young family less than a mile from his local course.
Kevin Cook’s acclaimed 2007 biography, Tommy’s Honour, about golf’s founding father and son, remains one of his all-time favourite sports books.
-
Two Weeks After Parting Ways With Max Homa, Caddie Joe Greiner Claims $360,000 Payday Alongside Justin Thomas
Joe Greiner is caddying for Justin Thomas on a temporary basis, and the player’s win at the RBC Heritage has already secured him a big payday
By Mike Hall
-
Garrick Higgo Wins Corales Puntacana Championship After Late Joel Dahmen Collapse
The South African claimed his second PGA Tour title after Joel Dahmen bogeyed the final three holes in the Dominican Republic
By Mike Hall
-
Zurich Classic Of New Orleans Prize Money Payout 2025
Rory McIlroy and Shane Lowry defend their title as players compete for a record purse in the unique team competition
By Mike Hall
-
Rory McIlroy Career Grand Slam Celebrated With Royal Mail Postmark
Rory McIlroy's Masters win, which made him the sixth player to complete the career Grand Slam, was celebrated with a special postmark by the Royal Mail
By Mike Hall
-
9 Things Rory McIlroy Still Has Left To Achieve In His Career
After becoming one of just six players ever to complete the career Grand Slam, what else could Rory McIlroy realistically achieve before retirement?
By Jonny Leighfield
-
Rory McIlroy Invited To Old Trafford By Manchester United Boss Ruben Amorim After Masters Victory
Following on from his Masters victory, McIlroy has received an invitation from Manchester United manager, Ruben Amorim, to show off his Green Jacket at Old Trafford
By Matt Cradock
-
Will Rangefinders Significantly Help The PGA Tour's Slow Play Issue? Scottie Scheffler Says No, But He Knows What Will...
Rangefinders will be allowed in a PGA Tour event for the first time at this week's RBC Heritage, but Scheffler isn't convinced they will speed up play that much
By Jonny Leighfield
-
'His Game Is Futureproof' - Padraig Harrington Predicts Talk Of Rory McIlroy Winning '10 To 15 Majors'
The three-time Major winner had nothing but praise for his fellow Ryder Cup player, with Harrington envisaging that McIlroy could carry on at the highest level for a good few years
By Matt Cradock
-
Rory McIlroy's Sports Psychologist Explains Why He 'Didn't Talk' To Bryson DeChambeau In Masters Final Round
DeChambeau raised eyebrows at Augusta National when claiming that McIlroy wouldn't engage in conversation during the final round of The Masters
By Jonny Leighfield
-
'He Won't Stop Striving For Improvement' - Sports Psychologist Believes Rory McIlroy Has The 'Mindset, Focus And Drive' To Carry On Excellent Start To 2025 Season
We spoke to experienced Sports Psychologist, Gareth Shaw, about McIlroy's incredible Masters win and how the five-time Major can push on even further in 2025
By Matt Cradock