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GOLF fans are convinced that Rory McIlroy had no idea he was taking to a Hollywood superstar on the driving range.

McIlroy was caught in the awkward exchange while out on the driving range preparing for this week's BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth.

Rory McIlroy seemed to be completely unaware he was talking to a Hollywood superstar at the BMW PGA Championship
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Rory McIlroy seemed to be completely unaware he was talking to a Hollywood superstar at the BMW PGA ChampionshipCredit: Getty

McIlroy was warming up on the range ahead of Wednesday's Pro-Am which see the tour pros take to the course alongside celebrity counterparts.

And fans think that a viral video on social media gave an insight into how little pop culture knowledge the golfing star has.

A video that surfaced online shows Spider-Man star Tom Holland head out and get in some practice next to the world number three on the range.

Holland, 28, reached over to McIlroy's bay with an outstretched hand to introduce himself, saying: "Hello mate, sorry I'm Tom".

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McIlroy appeared to be caught off guard by the interaction and replied "Hello Tom, how you doing?", seemingly making no reference to Holland's stardom.

Fans couldn't believe the video and thought that McIlroy was clueless to the fact he was speaking to an on-screen superhero.

On social media, one wrote: "Rory doesn't know who Tom Holland is".

While another added: "Rory obviously doesn't have a clue who he is!"

Spider-Man actor Tom Holland introduced himself to McIlroy on the driving range
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Spider-Man actor Tom Holland introduced himself to McIlroy on the driving rangeCredit: @DPWorldTour
McIlroy rather awkwardly replied, leaving fans thinking he didn't know who he was
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McIlroy rather awkwardly replied, leaving fans thinking he didn't know who he wasCredit: @DPWorldTour

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Rory McIlroy's career achievements

By Ian Tuckey

Rory McIlroy spent more than 100 weeks at World No1 - and has scooped four Majors and won 40 tournaments in all SO FAR.

Only all-time greats Jack Nicklaus and Tiger Woods have matched his feat of winning one of the big four by the age of 25.

And after winning the 2011 US Open, the Northern Ireland ace added the PGA Championship the following year - adding the Open and PGA crowns in 2014.

Here's a rundown on the glittering career of the 35-year-old, five-time Ryder Cup winner, who was also a strong critic of the rival Saudi-backed LIV tour:

  • 2007 - topped the world amateur rankings aged 17.

Turned professional in September.

Became the youngest Affiliate Member in the history of The European Tour to earn a tour card.

  • 2009 - reached the world top 50.
  • 2010 - won his first PGA Tour title via the Quail Hollow Championship.

Made a winning Ryder Cup debut.

Became the youngest player to reach $10m earnings on the PGA Tour.

  • 2011 - Famously blew a four-stroke lead on the final day of the Masters in May.

But won his first major the following month - the US Open.

Named Sports Person of the year by RTE - Ireland's main broadcaster.

  • 2012 - lifted the PGA Championship.

Named PGA Tour player of the year and picked up more Ryder Cup glory.

  • 2013 - signed a huge sponsorship deal with Nike.
  • 2014 - his best year to date, majors wise.

Won the Open at Royal Liverpool.

Then clinched back-to-back PGA crowns, beating Phil Mickelson by one stroke.

Named RTE Sports Person of the year for a second time.

Again helped Europe win the Ryder Cup.

  • 2016 - Ended the season winning the Tour championship, putting him top of the FedEx Cup and landing him the $10m bonus pool.

Suffered Ryder Cup defeat.

  • 2017 - failed to win all year.

But gained top 10 finishes at the Masters, The Open and 3 WGC events.

And with Nike largely withdrawing from the golf market, he landed an £80m endorsement deal with TaylorMade.

  • 2018 - More Ryder Cup joy.
  • 2020 Overtook Brooks Koepka to become World No1
  • 2021 - A Ryder Cup loser.
  • 2022 - runners-up at the Masters and finished third at the Open.
  • 2023 - helped Europe thrash the USA 16.5-11.5 in the Ryder Cup.
  • 2024 - struggled early in the season, finishing just joint-22nd in the Masters.

But then won two tournaments - the Zurich Classic for his 25th PGA title and the Wells Fargo Championship.

A third teased: "Rory completely in the zone not realising that's Spider-Man".

And a fourth joked: "Rory didn’t realise who he was without the mask".

Watch wholesome moment Andy Murray gives Rory McIlroy pep talk after difficult year as fans say 'game meets game'

Rory had no problem recognising some of the other players with the Northern Irishman sharing an embrace with recently retired tennis star Andy Murray.

While other familiar faces also took to the course, including Gareth Bale, Ben Stokes, Ben Foster, Robbie Fowler and Stuart Broad.

Holland didn't go unrecognised altogether though, with fans watching on stopping the star for selfies and autographs.

While world number 12 Tommy Fleetwood definitely knew who the Marvel actor was, bringing his young son along to meet Holland dressed in a Spider-Man costume.

McIlroy shared an embrace with Andy Murray
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McIlroy shared an embrace with Andy MurrayCredit: Social Media
The four-time major winner played the Pro-Am alongside Gareth Bale
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The four-time major winner played the Pro-Am alongside Gareth BaleCredit: Getty
Tommy Fleetwood certainly recognised Tom Holland
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Tommy Fleetwood certainly recognised Tom HollandCredit: Getty

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Here are some of the most high-profile beauties...

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