Tiger Woods acted surprised to hear that he would be paired with good friend Darren Clarke over the first two rounds of the WGC-Bridgestone Invitational.
“That’s what I heard. I don’t know if that is the truth or not,” he said.
Golf Channel reported Monday that Woods and the reigning British Open champion would go out in a twosome Thursday and Friday at Firestone Country Club. The two are scheduled to go off the first tee at 1:40 p.m. ET.
Clarke won this event in 2003. Woods has won the tournament seven times in 11 tries.
The two have had a long friendship, dating back to Woods’ early years as a professional. Clarke said Woods sent him text messages of encouragement prior to his winning the claret jug and afterwards in congratulations.
Asked what he said to Clarke, Woods responded: “That’s between Darren and I.”