Tiger Woods rebuts Colin Montgomerie’s call for him to retire: ‘As a past champion, I’m exempt until I’m 60. Colin’s not’

Tiger Woods has fired back at Colin Montgomerie’s calls for him to retire from golf, citing his automatic qualification for The Open Championship as a past champion. Montgomerie, a former world No. 2, had suggested that Woods should hang up his clubs amid struggles with injury and form. However, Woods, who has won The Open three times, remains determined to continue competing at the highest level.

In a recent interview, Montgomerie expressed his concern that Woods is no longer enjoying the game and is only continuing to play due to his ego. “There is none of that passion and charismatic aura around him now,” Montgomerie said. “He’s coming to Troon and he won’t enjoy it there either.”

Woods, however, remains committed to his craft, and his automatic qualification for The Open Championship means he can continue to compete in the tournament until he is 60. “As a past champion, I’m exempt until I’m 60. Colin’s not,” Woods said in his pre-tournament press conference. “He’s not a past champion, so he’s not exempt. So he doesn’t get the opportunity to make that decision. I do.”

Woods has battled with injuries and rehabilitation since suffering leg injuries in a serious car crash in 2021. Despite his struggles, he remains determined to compete in the four major championships, prioritizing appearances in these events above all else.

Montgomerie had suggested that Woods should have retired last year at St. Andrew’s, citing the perfect opportunity to walk away from the sport. However, Woods remains committed to continuing his career, and his body is “feeling better” in the lead-up to this year’s tournament.

“I’ve been training a lot better. We’ve been busting it pretty hard in the gym, which has been good. Body’s been feeling better to be able to do such things, and it translates on being able to hit the ball better,” Woods said. “Can’t quite stay out there during a practice session as long as I’d like, but I’m able to do some things that I haven’t done all year, which is nice.”