Colin Montgomerie, a European Ryder Cup legend, has dropped the mic on Tiger Woods.
He steered that Woods should retire as a result of he doesn’t have the identical aura as he used to, per the Times of London. When ought to the Big Cat cling up the golf equipment? Montgomerie hinted at earlier than Woods is about to play his twenty third Open Championship.
Why would the Scotland native assume that? It was not the primary time he had a scorching tackle Woods. Montgomerie additionally steered Woods wouldn’t win once more in 2017.
“I hope individuals bear in mind Tiger as Tiger was — the eagerness and the charismatic aura round him,” Montgomerie informed The Times. “There is none of that now. At Pinehurst, he didn’t appear to take pleasure in a single shot, and also you assume, ‘What the hell is he doing?’ He’s coming to Troon, and he gained’t take pleasure in it there both.”
Since his accident that just about took his leg and life, Woods has gone by means of quite a bit. For him to even play golf is unbelievable as a result of many didn’t know if that may occur. However, since his return, the outcomes haven’t been what golf followers are accustomed to seeing from Tiger.
He had ankle surgical procedure final 12 months and claims to be in no ache. The 82-time PGA Tour winner has solely performed in 5 tournaments since withdrawing within the third spherical of the 2023 Masters. His first occasion again was the Hero World Challenge.
Woods withdrew from the Genesis Invitational in February within the second spherical due to an sickness. The 15-time main winner made the weekend for a record-setting lower twenty fourth straight time at Augusta National however settled for sixtieth.
Since then, Tiger missed the lower on the PGA Championship at Valhalla Golf Club and Pinehurst for the U.S. Open. He nonetheless believes he can win on the PGA Tour and maintains he solely performs if he thinks he can.
Montgomerie by no means gained a significant on the PGA Tour. He witnessed firsthand in 1997 what was to come back with Tiger when the 21-year-old shot a 65 on Saturday on the Masters to construct a nine-shot lead. It can be his first major championship win.
The Scot felt like Woods ought to have stopped on the Swilcan Bridge at St. Andrews through the one hundred and fiftieth Open Championship.
However, Woods didn’t cease on that bridge, signifying his profession was not over. At 48 years previous, Tiger has 15 majors and three Open titles — twice at St. Andrews in 2002 and 2005 and 2006 at Royal Liverpool.
Woods hinted at taking part in on the Champions Tour when he turns 50. However, as a previous champion, he can play within the Open till he turns 60. He can also play within the Masters and PGA Championship for all times. The USGA gave him a particular exemption to play at this 12 months’s U.S. Open in Pinehurst.
“There is a time for all sportsmen to say goodbye, however it’s very tough to inform Tiger it’s time to go,” Montgomerie mentioned. “Obviously, he nonetheless feels he can win. We are extra sensible.”
Will Tiger have the ability to stroll away with out reaching Jack Nicklaus’ main report, or will he notice when the fitting time is to retire? Only Woods will know when his retirement will occur, however the world would possibly make that day a nationwide vacation when it does.
Savannah Leigh Richardson is a golf workers author for SB Nation’s Playing Through. For extra golf protection, comply with us @_PlayingThrough on all main social platforms. You also can comply with her on Twitter @SportsGirlSL and Instagram @golf_girl_sl.
