Only a handful of golfers understand the aura surrounding Tiger Woods better than those who have met him up close. And Inci Mehmet, during her amateur year in 2015, got the chance to meet Woods personally. But it turned out to be a chilling interaction. 

Four years ago, during her appearance on the Rick Shiels Golf Show, Mehmet recalled the “surreal” story of the time when she was supported by Nike for half a decade. And one day, Woods landed in St. Andrews on his private jet. 

She recalled, “When the director of Nike asked me if I’d be interested in this day with Tiger, my response was, ‘The double act or the real Tiger?’ Because I genuinely didn’t think that’d be real.” 

“I remember when he stepped into the room, I literally felt like God has walked into the room," Mehmet told The Rick Shiels Golf Show. "Even his skin looked artificial. Because obviously, he had his gym top on, and his arm was just glistening. I was like, ‘Are you real!’”

Mehmet revealed that her nervousness was high even before she and four other amateurs met Tiger Woods. They were on five bikes, surrounded by bodyguards and likely Woods’ managers.

They were announcing Woods’ every move on the radio. Meanwhile, the amateurs discussed whether to stay on their bikes or get off and greet the 15-time major champion upon his entry. 

But there was one moment on that day that made the former Women’s European Tour star feel bad for the 50-year-old. 

Despite the Awe, Inci Mehmet Felt Sorry for Tiger Woods

“At St. Andrews, it’s an intimate town,” Mehmet continued. “Everyone knows everyone. And the word goes out, ‘Tiger’s around.’ And then there’s a crowd that starts to appear.”

Thereafter, the team went to a different building for lunch and to wrap up their day. While there were no media personnel with them during their break, things changed drastically upon their exit from the said building. 

“By the time we went back downstairs to leave, the whole building was surrounded by people… You know that he’s amazing, and you know people love him, and they just want to see a glimmer of him. But in that moment, I really felt quite sorry for him. I thought, ‘Wow, this is your life!’” 

Mehmet admired Woods’ larger-than-life presence but recognized the weight of his constant spotlight. She left St. Andrews with awe for his greatness and empathy for his reality.

How would you feel if you got to play with Woods? Tell us in the comments.

Read more at Daily Club Golf!

Written by

Krushna Pattnaik

Edited by

Oajaswini Prabhu