1x PGAT winner shares heartfelt Tiger Woods story on 15x major winner’s birthday

PGA Tour star Michael Kim shared a special post for Tiger Woods' 50th birthday. The popular golfer narrated an incident from his professional debut when Woods gave him a special moment to remember.

On Tuesday, December 30, Michael Kim shared an anecdote from his first-ever professional start at the 2014 Farmers Insurance Open. After playing a good first round, he ran into Woods's then-coach, Sean Foley whom he had met prior.

"I start hitting balls and about 15 min later," he continued. "Tiger Woods shows up to hit some balls with Sean. I was almost done hitting balls at that point but I wanted to get a picture with Tiger so I just kept hitting balls until Tiger was done. As we both walked away, I asked Tiger to take a picture which he thankfully obliged. Sean took the picture for me. "I played awful Friday and MC’d but was super happy that I at least got a pic with my golfing hero at the place where I grew my dreams as a pro golfer. HBD to the 🐐 Tiger Woods and also thanks to (now my swing coach) Sean Foley for taking the pic haha," he added.

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Phil Mickelson wishes Tiger Woods on 50th birthday

Phil Mickelson shared a special wish for ace rival Tiger Woods on his 50th birthday.

"Wishing Tiger Woods a happy 50th birthday. His contributions to golf are numerous and appreciated by all who love the game. 🎂🎂," he wrote on Tuesday, Decemebr 31.

Woods and Mickelson were rivals for nearly two decades and gave each other stiff competition. While Woods went on to become the most prolific with 82 PGA Tour titles which include 15 majors, Mickelson also claimed 45 wins which include six majors. However, he never reached No. 1 in the Official World Golf Ranking.

Woods won his last major at the Masters in 2019 and has been in a title drought for over six years. Meanwhile, Phil Mickelson became the oldest major winner at the 2021 PGA Championship but hasn't won since. However, Phil had a great season on LIV Golf and recorded several top tens including his first podium finish.

On the other hand, Woods was out of action in 2025 and underwent another back surgery. The former World No. 1 golfer hasn't played an official tournament since The Open Championship in 2024 and was last seen competing at the PNC Championship last year.

Edited by Shobhit Kukreti