US golfer Tiger Woods is undoubtedly one of the most influential players in the world right now. Many young golfers look up to the legend and one of them is Gators Golf senior Ian Gilligan.

In Picture: Tiger Woods doing his iconic club twirl (Source: Imagn)

The University of Florida student recently finished T16 at the Shriners Open in Las Vegas. The PGA Tour took to X to share a video of the college senior talking about his club twirl that was inspired from Tiger Woods. Gilligan explained that it is a “boost” to his confidence.

“I have always loved the club twirl. It’s just fun. I feel like it sometimes just gives me confidence. Sometimes I have done when I was under pressure. Sometimes in a pre-shot routine. I will just club twirl it and it gives me a boost of confidence.”

Woods was the one who popularized the celebratory move and as Gilligan added, the 15-time major champion has “some nice club twirls” under his belt in his illustrious career. His club twirls at the 2009 Presidents Cup at Harding Park and a Memorial tournament are Gilligan’s favourite. The amatuer world no. 8 added:

“Usually if I club twirl, there’s a couple watching. So it’s like showing off. But sometimes I will do it if I hit a really great shot too. But it’s fun to do it in front of people.”

Gilligan emerged as a rising star with his performance at the Shriners Open in California. He shot an impressive 14-under at the weather-affected tournament held at TPC Summerlin.

“Then I use my right thumb” – When Tiger Woods divulged the secret to his iconic club twirl

In Picture: Tiger Woods twirling his club (Source: Imagn)

In 2018, US golfers Tiger Woods and Justin Thomas spoke to Ahmad Rashad about the art of a club twirl. Woods’ club twirls have found a permanent place in the hearts of his fans and there have been several aspiring players who have taken inspiration from him.

He divulged the secret to his iconic celebratory move via Swing Clubhouse, saying,

“First, hit the drive. I start it from right about here. Then I use my right thumb and I spin it.”

The use of his right thumb was a revelation for Thomas, who could be heard expressing surprise at the statement. He quickly connected the dots of this news to the memorable club twirl follow-through that Woods performed at the 2009 Presidents Cup at Harding Park, San Francisco.