TV commentator Mark Roe sparked a social media backlash after speculating that Tiger Woods is playing The Open on painkillers.
Woods has managed debilitating ankle issues ever since the serious car crash three years ago that almost ended his career and now has to follow a thorough routine before and after rounds to ensure he can play.
However, Roe’s claims that Woods looked like he was on medication during the first round at Troon led to accusations of irresponsible speculation.
“You look at the eyes, you gotta think there’s a lot of painkillers being taken to cope with the pain,” said Roe, who was commentating for Sky Sports.
🎙️Featured groups announcers on Tiger Woods: “You look at the eyes, you gotta think there’s a lot of painkillers being taken.”
Thoughts on this?
— NUCLR GOLF (@NUCLRGOLF) July 18, 2024
A stream of featured groups viewers took to X, formerly known as Twitter, to vent their anger after Roe’s comment.
“When I was listening to it live I had to rewind it to make sure I heard it correctly. Absolutely WILD commentary,” said one.
“That’s crossing way over the line,” said another.
However a minority backed Roe in his observations.
“Finally someone said it. Promote this guy,” said one.
Englishman Roe, 61, was a professional golfer on the European Tour before turning to commentary. He retired in 2006 with three wins. His best performance in a major championship was a T13 at the US Open in 1995.
Woods, 48, has also undergone a spinal fusion operation as well as knee surgery during his career. The 15-time major champion had spoken before the championship of feeling physically better than he has done previously this season.
“I’ve been training a lot better. We’ve been busting it pretty hard in the gym, which has been good. The body’s been feeling better to be able to do such things, and it translates to being able to hit the ball better,” he said.
“I can’t quite stay out there during a practice session as long as I’d like, but I’m able to do some things that I haven’t done all year, which is nice.”
He does not move like the Woods of old but by his present-day standards he seemed to be coping with Troon relatively well during his round – even in the cool conditions he does not like.
The three-times champion had the galleries cheering at the third hole when he curled in a superb birdie putt from off the green, celebrating with a trademark fist pump.
But the rest of the front nine proved harder going as he gave it back with a bogey at the next hole and then double-bogeyed the short fifth to turn in 40 at four over par.
