Millions of fans worldwide are familiar with the work of actor Tom Holland – but Rory McIlroy may not be one of them.
The pair crossed paths on the driving range before the BMW PGA Championship at the Wentworth Club in England, and ‘Spider-Man’ actor Holland went over to introduce himself and give his name.
However, McIlroy somewhat awkwardly replied, ‘Hello Tom, how you doing?’ and made no mention of the actor’s work or career, leading fans to believe that he was unfamiliar with the silver screen star.
‘Rory doesn’t know who Tom Holland is,’ one fan said on X.
‘Rory hasn’t got a clue who Tom Holland is. Not a bad swing though!,’ said another, referencing the end of the clip in which Holland could be seen hitting a ball.
Tom Holland introduced himself to Rory McIlroy but fans were convinced the golfer didn’t recognize the world-famous actor
McIlroy speaks to the media at Wentworth Club ahead of the BMW PGA Championship
‘Rory completely in the zone not realizing that’s Spiderman,’ a third fan cracked.
While McIlroy may not have recognized Holland, others certainly did, as he was photographed signing autographs for young fans at one point.
The Northern Irishman, 35, stunned the world when he filed for divorce from his wife of seven years in May – just days before the beginning of the PGA Championship.
The four-time major winner left golfing fans further shocked when he performed a U-turn just a month later, calling off his divorce from Erica, 36, ahead of this year’s US Open stating that their ‘best future was as a family together.’
He later announced he would be taking brief sabbatical amid his US Open implosion and divorce drama, returning to the course for July’s Genesis Scottish Open and The Open Championship.
Holland played in a Pro-Am before the BMW PGA Championship teed off on Thursday
He signed some autographs for some young fans while on the course at Wentworth Club
Speaking to Patrick Kielty on Irish talk show ‘Late Late’ this week, McIlroy revealed he took the break to rediscover ‘what was actually important to me.’
‘I think sometimes life can get a lot and it can get too much,’ he said. ‘There’s been a lot going on this year, golf wise and then obviously personal wise as well. I had to take a little bit of a break and get away from the game more than anything else,’ he told Kielty.
‘Golf and the business of golf had become all consuming for me for the last couple of years and I needed to take a bit of time away to realize what was actually important to me. Friends, family, enjoying myself, enjoying the fact you were this little boy in Holywood and you’ve grown up to be whatever it is that I am and I need to enjoy that time.’
McIlroy will tee off at 3:40amET (8:40am local time) to begin his weekend.
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