Tiger Woods’ bad luck is not limited to the golf course. The golfer was hosting his charity event, Tiger Jam over the weekend, and got a bad beat in his poker tournament.
The tournament is part of the weekend’s activities that help raise money for his charitable foundation. It includes celebrities, athletes, and professional poker players.
Woods was in a head’s up battle with Oklahoma City Thunder guard Russell Westbook, and both players had gone all in. Woods had ace, king, while Westbrook had a pair of queens.
The golfer thought he got the member of the All-NBA team when an ace popped up on the flop, but then looked in horror as a queen was right next to it.
Woods took it pretty well for someone who just got beat by a competitor who only had two outs.
Quip on Bettor
He was in a pretty jovial mood earlier in the day when he was asked about James Alducci, the Wisconsin gambler who bet $85,000 on him winning the Masters. The wager at 14/1 odds at the William Hill sportsbook at SLS Las Vegas netted him $1,190,000.
Woods was hitting golf balls on the driving range, and was pretty candid with his comments.
“F—ing great bet,†Woods told the crowd who immediately laughed.
The Masters winner also had a remark for Alducci’s subsequent wager of $100,000 that Woods win the other three majors.
“Dumb for the Grand Slam part, though,†Woods stated.
Follow Up Falls Short
It was a relaxing week for Woods after the disappointment of missing the cut at the PGA Championship two weeks ago. Woods had entered the tournament after winning the Masters and many bettors thought he could win his second consecutive major. He was the favorite at sportsbooks at 9/1, and many reported gamblers were pouring money in on Woods.
But Woods might have made a tactical mistake, resting after winning the Masters. He did not play in any PGA Tour events leading up to the second major. His game appeared rusty, and after two over-par rounds, he didn’t make the weekend.
“It’s just the way it goes,†Woods said. “You know, just don’t feel well and just not able to do it. But resting would be better, so I would have energy to play. You know, unfortunately I just didn’t — made too many mistakes and just didn’t do the little things I need to do. You know, I had a couple three-putts. I didn’t hit wedges close. I didn’t hit any fairways today. Did a lot of little things wrong.â€
Readying for US Open
The 43-year-old is determined not to make the same mistake in preparing for the third major of the year, the US Open. He is playing this week at the Memorial, the tour event hosted by Jack Nicklaus. Woods tweeted that he would play there.
“Ohio next week for the @MemorialGolf, then Pebble for the @usopengolf. Looking forward to getting out there again.†Woods wrote.
Gamblers might have learned their lesson on betting on Woods, however. He enters the Memorial at 12/1, behind favorite Rory McIlroy, who is at 8/1.
For the US Open, Woods is the third pick at 12/1, behind Dustin Johnson, who is at 7/1, and favorite Brooks Koepka, who is at 6/1.