Awkward moment Hollywood star introduces himself to Rory McIlroy as fans convinced golfer ‘hasn’t got a clue who he is’
GOLF fans are convinced that Rory McIlroy had no idea he was taking to a Hollywood superstar on the driving range.
McIlroy was caught in the awkward exchange while out on the driving range preparing for this week’s BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth.
McIlroy was warming up on the range ahead of Wednesday’s Pro-Am which see the tour pros take to the course alongside celebrity counterparts.
And fans think that a viral video on social media gave an insight into how little pop culture knowledge the golfing star has.
A video that surfaced online shows Spider-Man star Tom Holland head out and get in some practice next to the world number three on the range.
Holland, 28, reached over to McIlroy’s bay with an outstretched hand to introduce himself, saying: “Hello mate, sorry I’m Tom”.
McIlroy appeared to be caught off guard by the interaction and replied “Hello Tom, how you doing?”, seemingly making no reference to Holland’s stardom.
Fans couldn’t believe the video and thought that McIlroy was clueless to the fact he was speaking to an on-screen superhero.
On social media, one wrote: “Rory doesn’t know who Tom Holland is”.
While another added: “Rory obviously doesn’t have a clue who he is!”
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Rory McIlroy's career achievements
By Ian Tuckey
Rory McIlroy spent more than 100 weeks at World No1 – and has scooped four Majors and won 40 tournaments in all SO FAR.
Only all-time greats Jack Nicklaus and Tiger Woods have matched his feat of winning one of the big four by the age of 25.
And after winning the 2011 US Open, the Northern Ireland ace added the PGA Championship the following year – adding the Open and PGA crowns in 2014.
Here’s a rundown on the glittering career of the 35-year-old, five-time Ryder Cup winner, who was also a strong critic of the rival Saudi-backed LIV tour:
- 2007 – topped the world amateur rankings aged 17.
Turned professional in September.
Became the youngest Affiliate Member in the history of The European Tour to earn a tour card.
- 2009 – reached the world top 50.
- 2010 – won his first PGA Tour title via the Quail Hollow Championship.
Made a winning Ryder Cup debut.
Became the youngest player to reach $10m earnings on the PGA Tour.
- 2011 – Famously blew a four-stroke lead on the final day of the Masters in May.
But won his first major the following month – the US Open.
Named Sports Person of the year by RTE – Ireland’s main broadcaster.
- 2012 – lifted the PGA Championship.
Named PGA Tour player of the year and picked up more Ryder Cup glory.
- 2013 – signed a huge sponsorship deal with Nike.
- 2014 – his best year to date, majors wise.
Won the Open at Royal Liverpool.
Then clinched back-to-back PGA crowns, beating Phil Mickelson by one stroke.
Named RTE Sports Person of the year for a second time.
Again helped Europe win the Ryder Cup.
- 2016 – Ended the season winning the Tour championship, putting him top of the FedEx Cup and landing him the $10m bonus pool.
Suffered Ryder Cup defeat.
- 2017 – failed to win all year.
But gained top 10 finishes at the Masters, The Open and 3 WGC events.
And with Nike largely withdrawing from the golf market, he landed an £80m endorsement deal with TaylorMade.
- 2018 – More Ryder Cup joy.
- 2020 Overtook Brooks Koepka to become World No1
- 2021 – A Ryder Cup loser.
- 2022 – runners-up at the Masters and finished third at the Open.
- 2023 – helped Europe thrash the USA 16.5-11.5 in the Ryder Cup.
- 2024 – struggled early in the season, finishing just joint-22nd in the Masters.
But then won two tournaments – the Zurich Classic for his 25th PGA title and the Wells Fargo Championship.
A third teased: “Rory completely in the zone not realising that’s Spider-Man”.
And a fourth joked: “Rory didn’t realise who he was without the mask”.
Rory had no problem recognising some of the other players with the Northern Irishman sharing an embrace with recently retired tennis star Andy Murray.
While other familiar faces also took to the course, including Gareth Bale, Ben Stokes, Ben Foster, Robbie Fowler and Stuart Broad.
Holland didn’t go unrecognised altogether though, with fans watching on stopping the star for selfies and autographs.
While world number 12 Tommy Fleetwood definitely knew who the Marvel actor was, bringing his young son along to meet Holland dressed in a Spider-Man costume.
Who are golf's most famous Wags?
The world's top golfers enjoy an incredible lifestyle - and their Wags lead thrilling lives of their own.
Here are some of the most high-profile beauties…
- This former beauty pageant contestant is now an actress and featured in Sharknado 5.
- The daughter of an ice hockey legend who has been branded the ‘world’s sexiest caddie’.
- A Master golfer raced home from his most recent triumph to be by his wife’s side as she gave birth to their first child.
- An athlete who vaulted her way into a modelling career – and her golfer hubby’s heart.
- A keen tennis player and former competitor in the javelin lived with her ex-world No1 husband for two years before getting together.
- Playing off a handicap of three, this sports reporter could give her fella a run for his money on the greens.
- This low-key beauty got married to a superstar golfer in front of Stevie Wonder, Chris Martin and Niall Horan.
- A former gymnast who has been her husband’s rock for 14 years – he even pays tribute to her on his golf balls.