Why Is Tiger Woods Shaking Hands With A Tree? Golf's Most Surreal Meme, Explained

Midway through the Masters golf tournament last month, Tiger Woods was captured by cameras conferring with a tree. He clasped its extended hand, appearing to have a frank Woods-to-wood talk. Memes of the photo blew across online social platforms like fallen leaves across a November pavement. But what's the story behind the Tiger Woods shaking hands with a tree meme? Let's explain.

Is Tiger Woods Actually Shaking Hands With A Tree?

Trees do not have arms. In real life, Tiger Woods shook the hand of Verne Lundquist. Lundquist is a golf announcer and commentator who has been a fixture of the sport for decades. He recently announced his retirement, and Woods' gesture of taking time to shake his hand and recognize him warmed the hearts of many longtime golf fans.

It was just a coincidence that the camera happened to wind up at an angle that concealed every part of Lundquist's body except for his arm and hand.

What Kinds Of Memes Have People Made Of Tiger Woods Shaking Hands With A Tree?

Many of the memes imagine a human-tree relationship marked by wholesomeness and mutual appreciation. Others imagine situations (many involving drugs) where you might believe you're communing with the spirits of trees or forest elves.

Some have pointed out Woods' history with trees, which involves a prominent accident in which he crashed his car into a tree. The handshake may be a sign that the tree community has forgiven Woods.

What Does Tiger Woods Think Of The Meme?

In an April appearance on The Tonight Show With Jimmy Fallon, Woods shared his reaction to the memes. The golfer appears to both be aware of the memes and to enjoy them wholesomely.

How Does It Compare To Other Tiger Woods Memes?

Tiger Woods has been the star of several memes over the past few years. Strangely enough, this is the second meme involving Tiger Woods greeting someone: the first, Big Dog, from earlier in 2024, inspired remixes and satires in much the same way this latest tree greeting has. Something about the zesty way Woods shakes a hand or says hello has captured the hearts and minds of meme makers the world over.

For the full history of "Tiger Woods shaking hands with a tree," be sure to check out Know Your Meme's encyclopedia entry for more information.