Abraham Ancer called out Tiger Woods at the 2019 Presidents Cup – and the Mexican star was quickly made to regret his comments by the 15-time major champion
Abraham Ancer, the Mexican golf sensation, made headlines at the 2019 Presidents Cup when he boldly called out none other than Tiger Woods – and his wish was granted.
Ancer, who has since joined the controversial LIV Golf circuit and is not part of the International Team this year, had his eyes set on a showdown with the legendary golfer at the event. With Woods coming in as Team USA’s playing captain and hot off his 15th major win at the Masters, he was in top form for the Sunday singles of the matchplay competition.
In the lead-up to the tournament, Ancer, then an International team member, was asked about his preferred opponent for the singles matches in Melbourne. His response was clear-cut: “I would like to play against Tiger.”
In a twist of fate, Ancer’s request was fulfilled as he and Woods were slated to go head-to-head in the first match of the day. Despite many golfers’ aspirations, few have triumphed over Woods throughout his illustrious career, and Ancer’s encounter was no exception.
Woods responded to the challenge with typical flair, effortlessly pushing aside Abraham Ancer 3&2 and helping Team USA claim a victory on foreign turf with a 16-14 score. The golf legend had his own take on his performance at the tournament: “I hit it well this week,” Woods shared.
“I was responsible for three points, JT [Justin Thomas] and I went and got two, and I happened to play well and got Abe today [Ancer], and, Abe wanted and he got it.”
Tiger Woods defeated Abraham Ancer ( Image: No credit)
Clearly, Ancer’s previous remarks had done little more than fire up Woods. Years after the matchup, Ancer got the chance to recount what had happened, explaining that his words were intended to express eagerness for a shot against a legend, not bravado.
“When they asked me that at Mayakoba,” he clarified, “First of all that question was in Spanish, so the tone when I said it, it was never like cocky or challenging or anything like that. At the moment I thought it would be great experience, which it was. No matter what, with the outcome of the match, I would have gained a lot. I would have become a better player just from being in that situation.”
