In the world of golf, few can claim to have beaten Tiger Woods, one of the greatest players in the history of the sport. However, actor Samuel L. Jackson, known for his passion for the game, achieved this rare feat—albeit by what he describes as a “complete accident.”
During an appearance on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon in 2022, Jackson shared this surprising story. He recalled his first time playing at St. Andrews, where he was paired with Woods. At the time, Jackson had a handicap of 16, which, combined with an excellent round, led him to a remarkable victory over the 15-time major champion.
“Complete accident,” Jackson told Fallon. “The first time I ever played St. Andrews, they paired me with him [Woods]…and I was a 16 handicap. So, they gave me my 16 shots, and I shot 78, because he said, ‘follow me’. And I stayed as close to him as I could, and I shot 78, which means I beat him by about eight strokes.”
While Jackson’s victory came with the help of his handicap, it remains an impressive achievement. A score of 78 is extraordinary for a golfer with a 16 handicap, and his ability to stay close to Woods on the course speaks volumes about his skill and composure under pressure.
Jackson, a well-known amateur golfer, has a deep love for the game. His handicap was listed as 8.6 by Golfweek in 2020, and his passion for the sport is such that he reportedly includes a clause in his movie contracts allowing him to play golf several times a week.
Tiger Woods’ 2024 Season and Future Plans
As for Tiger Woods, his 2024 season ended after missing the cut at the Open Championship. Woods has since announced plans to return to competitive golf later in the year, starting with the Hero World Challenge in November, followed by the PNC Championship in December, where he will team up with his son, Charlie.
Woods has spoken about improving his physical condition, even though his recent results haven’t reflected his progress. Looking ahead, he plans to gradually increase his participation in tournaments, aiming to regain his competitive rhythm. Starting in 2025, Woods may also take advantage of a new PGA Tour rule that grants lifetime exemptions to players with over 80 tour victories, allowing him to compete in elite events like The Memorial Tournament and RBC Heritage.
In the unpredictable world of golf, even the most unexpected outcomes—such as Samuel L. Jackson’s victory over Tiger Woods—remind us that on any given day, anything is possible.
