“Too nervous playing in front of him” - Justin Thomas reveals pro scared to play with Tiger Woods at the Presidents Cup

Tiger Woods attained 'legendary' status years ago. The 15-time majors champion is one player to look up to for other golfers. It’s notable that many pros were afraid to go up against the ace golfer in his heyday. But it may come as a surprise that one golfer was scared to even play alongside Woods.

Justin Thomas has now revealed that Daniel Berger, one of his teammates at the 2017 Presidents Cup, was uncomfortable having Tiger Woods in his group.

According to Thomas, the then-US Presidents Cup team skipper Fred Couples assigned vice-captain Woods to lead Berger’s pod of players. Scared by the decision, Berger went up to Couples and stated that the 5-time Masters winner could not come with his group.

Recalling an interesting story about Berger and Woods, Justin Thomas said, as quoted by Golf:

“I don’t know if he was paired with Brooks or someone, but [Berger] went to — I don’t know if it was Freddie or someone — and said, ‘Tiger can’t come with our group.'”

When asked what he meant, Berger replied:

“I’m too nervous playing in front of him.”

Thomas further added that the rest of the team tried to calm Berger down by reminding him that they were playing on the same team. However, the now-29-year-old player was still afraid of following Woods.

Thomas laughingly said:

“So, when we thought we had him to use to our advantage, to make the other team nervous, that actually made some of our own team members nervous. So, there’s that.”

The Presidents Cup - Preview Day 3 (Image via Getty)

It is pertinent to note that Tiger Woods is a golfing idol for many. The former world no.1 is indeed an intimidating figure for new players who worship him and his game.

To think from Berger’s shoes, he never practiced playing with Woods and was never paired together on the PGA Tour as well. The high-pressure Presidents Cup was the first time he was sharing ground with the legendary golfer.

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Justin Thomas on playing with Tiger Woods at the 2017 Presidents Cup

While Berger remained intimidated by Tiger Woods, Justin Thomas was having fun with the ace golfer. The now-29-year-old, who recently played The Match with Woods, was good friends with the then-vice captain of the US team.

Speaking about his experience playing with Woods, Thomas said:

“I couldn’t wait to ask him just go make me a sandwich, like, You’re my vice captain this week. You have to do whatever I say, and all of us. I never in my life thought I would be bossing Tiger Woods around and he had to listen to me because he’s a vice captain.”

Thomas revealed the interesting Tiger Woods story just days ahead of the 2023 Masters. It’ll be interesting to see if any new golfers will come out scared of having the GOAT on the Augusta greens.