Tiger Woods praised for 'classy' gesture toward rival after struggling in the opening round of the US Open

Fans praised Tiger Woods for his classy gesture towards Justin Thomas after they both struggled in the opening round of the US Open on Thursday.

Woods, a 15-time major champion, got off to a good start at Pinehurst. He secured a birdie on the first hole and drove well for most of his opening round.

However, his iron play and putting struggles made the difference, resulting in a four-over-par 74. Meanwhile, Thomas did not have the best of days either. 

The former USPGA champion will likely miss the cut after a seven-over 77 round.

After their hard rounds, Woods and Thomas hit the range, where Woods appeared to advise his competitor and friend. Golf. com's, James Colgan took a picture of the interaction, which gained traction on X.

'Tiger stepping in to give Justin Thomas a few pointers on the range after a tough opening round,' Colgan wrote. 'Not very often you see that at the US Open.' 

'Tiger can do no wrong,' one user wrote in the comments.

'How anyone could see a downside from getting a tip from one of the greatest golfers ever is beyond me,' a second added.

'That's very nice of Tiger,' a third said. 'JT has clearly been struggling with his game.'

Woods continues to compete in the majors despite his physical struggles from a car accident in 2021. He made a record 24th straight cut in the Masters before scoring a third round of 82 at Augusta National. Woods also missed the cut in the US PGA Championship.

'I'm physically getting better as the year has gone on,' Woods said after getting an invite from the USGA for Pinehurst.

'I just haven't been able to play as much because I just don't want to hurt myself pre, then I won't be able to play in the major championships,' he added, noting the risk of injury.

'It's pick your poison, right? Play a lot with the potential of not playing, or not playing, and fight being not as sharp.'