Tiger Woods felt a close connection to Michael Jordan even before the two sports legends became friends.
When he was 14, Woods compared his golf prowess to Jordan’s basketball skills.
They became close, and Jordan mentored Woods as the golfer dealt with life in the spotlight.
And Mike is almost like my big brother right now" (viaGolf).
Jordan also complimented Woods publicly.
Writing forESPN The Magazinein May 2001, Jordan highlighted Woods' confidence and pride as an athlete.
He examined Woods' dedication to golf and recalled how he felt the same way earlier in his career.
At the time, Jordan had retired from basketball but was contemplating a return.
By September 2001, Jordan returned to basketball with the Washington Wizards.
In 2016, Woods reached a similar crossroads in his career.
Woods' difficulties began when hisfather, Earl Woods, died in 2006.
By 2009, Woods' personal life got more complicated.
After taking a hiatus from golf, he returned and suffered injuries and other setbacks.
Jordan believed that his friend’s golf greatness was behind him.
After Woods won the 2019 Masters, he enthusiastically praised his friend.
“I never thought he’d get back physically,” Jordan informedThe Athletic.
“He’s probably the only person who believed he could get back.
In addition, Jordan thought that Woods' experience would give him an advantage over his competitors.
“[Jordan’s] more, I think, outwardly competitive than I am.
