With the Open Championship set to begin on Thursday, the Royal and Ancient Golf Club decided to honor two of golf's brightest stars, Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy. Both Woods and McIlroy were made honorary members of the club at St. Andrews. The two stars were blown away by the gesture, with each reacting in statements. Here are Woods' words, per ESPN.

“I am grateful for this invitation to become an honorary member of The Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St. Andrews,” Woods said in a statement. “It is not only the home of golf but a place in this world that I hold near my heart. I am humbled to accept this invitation alongside these outstanding players today, as well as those who came before us.”

Tiger Woods was “humbled” by the Royal and Ancient Golf Club's honor. The 15-time major champion said that St. Andrews is “the home of golf” and a place he holds “near my heart.” Woods has won the Open Championship three times, including two victories at the club.

Rory McIlroy, who has won the Open Championship once, also reacted to the prestigious honor in a statement.

“It's a privilege to represent a club that has done so much for golf over so many years and I'm proud to play my part in promoting golf around the world.”

McIlroy said he was “thrilled”, noting that it was a “privilege” to represent the Royal and Ancient Golf Club. Clearly, the fine people at St. Andrews wanted to give back to two of the game's greatest.

Now, Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy can give back to the club by putting on a show at the Open Championship.