At age 48 and in diminished physical condition with leg and back injuries, Woods hasn’t been in contention to win a tournament in years, with his last victory the 2019 Masters.
Tiger Woods at his press conference ahead of the British Open on July 16, 2024. AP
“I hope people remember Tiger as Tiger was, the passion and the charismatic aura around him,” Montgomerie told The Times of London. “There is none of that now. At Pinehurst (for the U.S. Open last month) he did not seem to enjoy a single shot and you think, ‘What the hell is he doing?’ He’s coming to Troon and he won’t enjoy it there either.”
Woods, in his pre-tournament press conference in advance of this week’s British Open at Troon, where Montgomerie grew up playing as a child and whose father was the club secretary, shot back at the chatty Scot.
“Well, as a past (Open) champion, I’m exempt until I’m 60 (and) Colin’s not,’’ Woods said with a wry smirk. “He’s not a past champion, so he’s not exempt. So, he doesn’t get the opportunity to make that decision. I do. When I get to his age (61), I get to still make that decision, where he doesn’t.’’
Colin Montgomerie suggested Tiger Woods should retire. Getty Images
“It would have been a glorious way to go. The stands were full, the world’s TV cameras—from all continents — were on him, he’s walking up there on his own, tears were in his eyes obviously … you can’t beat that walk.”
Woods has won 15 majors and captured three British Opens — St. Andrews twice (2002 and ’05) and Royal Liverpool (’06).
Colin Montgomerie and Tiger Woods at the 2006 Ryder Cup. PA EMPICS/ABACAUSA.COM
“There is a time for all sportsmen to say goodbye but it’s very difficult to tell Tiger it’s time to go,’’ Montgomerie said. “Obviously, he still feels he can win. We are more realistic.”
Not in Woods’ eyes.
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