It’s every golfer’s dream to play at The Masters.
Walking the fairways of Augusta National while trying to win a Green Jacket is about as good as it gets in the game, but for Haotong Li the experience was extra special.
In 2019, he made his second appearance at The Masters and was paired with Tiger Woods and Jon Rahm, the year Woods miraculously won his 15th major championship in one of the greatest comeback stories in sporting history.
Woods finished his first two days of the tournament one back of the lead after shooting a 68 on Friday, and Li recently recounted what it was like playing alongside the greatest golfer of all time at that magical tournament.
What Tiger Woods said to Haotong Li after playing with him for two days at The Masters
Li witnessed the start of one of the greatest Masters performances ever in 2019. And even while charging on Friday, Woods still took the time to create a memory for Li that will last a lifetime.
Speaking to the DP World Tour, Li reflected on his experience playing with Woods: “My first dream was to play at Augusta, not even play in a tournament, when I was young, and my second dream was to play with Tiger, and I achieved that in the same place, which is awesome.
“My agent told me, he said, ‘I’ve got a feeling they’re gonna pair you with Tiger’, I said, ‘Don’t even joke’ On Tuesday morning I saw the sheet, I saw I was playing with Tiger Woods. I was like, ‘I’m gonna shoot 90 on the course!’
“Funny enough on Tuesday I was so nervous, Wednesday I was so nervous, I was mentally prepared for there to be so many people. Once I get to the tee, once I get through the tunnel on Thursday, I was like there’s not actually as many people as I thought, I actually felt alright!. I was like, ‘They’re watching Tiger anyway, so try to relax and enjoy.’
“I spoke to Tiger on the first tee. I said, ‘Tiger, this is my dream come true. I feel very grateful to pair with you.’ He goes, ‘Yeah, Haotong, we’re gonna have some fun today.’ And we didn’t talk to each other until number eight. He probably realised I actually can play.
“On Friday afternoon, he obviously played so well that afternoon. I played with Jon Rahm and him, and I’ve never heard any crowds going crazy like that. Never heard anything like that before, even now.
“I made the cut already, on the 18th, just about to walk on the green, and Tiger slapped on my a–. I had about six feet for birdie, and he slapped on my a–, and he goes, ‘Haotong, roll that b—-h in.’ I was like, ‘What? Tiger just slapped on my a–, man.’
“I missed it. I got too excited, and afterwards Tiger goes, ‘Haotong, still a decent run.’ That was so nice.”
Li went on to finish T42 that year, in his last Masters appearance until he returned this season. It was an incredible gesture from Woods, and one that will stay with Li forever.