Jeff Francoeur Shares Hilarious Story About Faking a Baseball Injury to Play Golf with Tiger Woods
Jeff Francoeur, the former Major League Baseball (MLB) outfielder known for his strong arm and powerful bat, recently shared a side-splitting story from his playing days that highlights his love for golf—and his admiration for Tiger Woods. The tale involves a clever ruse that allowed Francoeur to step away from the baseball diamond for a day and spend time on the golf course with the legendary Woods.**
Jeff Francoeur, affectionately nicknamed “Frenchy,” was a fan favorite throughout his MLB career, which spanned over a decade with several teams, including the Atlanta Braves, New York Mets, and Philadelphia Phillies. Known for his infectious enthusiasm and outgoing personality, Francoeur has always been as comfortable with a golf club in his hands as he was with a baseball bat.
During a recent interview on a sports podcast, Francoeur recounted how his love for golf once led him to pull off a classic—and somewhat daring—stunt just to play a round with Tiger Woods, widely regarded as the greatest golfer of all time.
According to Francoeur, the opportunity arose unexpectedly. “It was during the baseball season, and we had a day off coming up,” Francoeur explained. “One of my buddies called me and said, ‘Hey, do you want to come play golf with Tiger Woods?’ I didn’t even think twice—I said, ‘Absolutely!’ But there was one small problem: we had a game scheduled the day before, and I knew the only way I’d be able to make it happen was if I wasn’t playing.”
Francoeur, ever the quick thinker, hatched a plan. “I decided I was going to fake an injury,” he said, laughing as he recalled the details. “I figured the best way to do it would be something non-serious but believable, so I went with the classic ‘tight hamstring’ move.”
As the game approached, Francoeur began to subtly hint at his “discomfort” to the team’s training staff. “I was out there stretching a little extra, doing some grimacing—just enough to make it look like I was having some issues. By the time the game rolled around, I told the manager, ‘Hey, my hamstring’s feeling a little tight. I think I should sit this one out, just to be safe.'”
The ruse worked perfectly. The manager, not wanting to risk an actual injury, agreed to let Francoeur rest, and he was taken out of the lineup for the day. With his plan in place, Francoeur was free to make his escape and head to the golf course.
The next day, Francoeur found himself on the golf course with none other than Tiger Woods, an experience he described as “unbelievable.” Despite his excitement, Francoeur admitted that he felt a bit guilty for the way he had arranged the outing.
“I was out there with Tiger, and the whole time I kept thinking, ‘Man, I really hope no one finds out what I did,'” Francoeur said. “But honestly, it was worth it. Playing with Tiger was a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and I wasn’t about to pass that up.”
Francoeur also shared that Woods was as impressive on the course as one might expect. “Tiger was incredible, just on a different level,” Francoeur recalled. “Every shot he hit was pure, and it was amazing to watch him up close. I did my best to keep up, but let’s be real—there’s no keeping up with Tiger Woods.”
Fortunately for Francoeur, the story has a happy ending. Not only did his “injury” go unnoticed by the team, but he also came away with a memory that he’ll treasure for the rest of his life. “It all worked out in the end,” Francoeur said with a grin. “I played my next game with no issues, and nobody ever suspected a thing.”
Francoeur’s story is a testament to his passion for golf and his willingness to go the extra mile—or fake a minor injury—to seize a unique opportunity. While faking an injury might not be the most advisable tactic for everyone, it’s hard to argue with the results in this case.
In the years since, Francoeur has remained an avid golfer and a huge fan of Tiger Woods. Though his days on the baseball field are behind him, the love of the game—whether it’s baseball or golf—continues to drive him.
Jeff Francoeur’s story is a classic example of his larger-than-life personality and his ability to find joy and humor in every situation. As a player, Francoeur was known for his all-out style and love for the game, and this tale is just another chapter in the colorful book of his career.
Whether it’s hitting home runs in a major league ballpark or teeing off with Tiger Woods, Francoeur has always approached life with the same enthusiasm and zest, making him a beloved figure both on and off the field. This story, like so many others from his career, will no doubt be told and retold among fans and friends for years to come.
