Colin Montgomerie fires back after Tiger Woods makes brutal Open jibe

Colin Montgomerie has recently ignited a debate over Tiger Woods’ decision to participate in this week’s Open Championship at Royal Troon. Montgomerie, a seasoned European golfer, publicly questioned Woods’ choice to compete given his ongoing struggles with fitness and form. Montgomerie’s remarks prompted a sharp response from Woods, who defended his right to play and took a swipe at Montgomerie’s status in the game.

 

In the lead-up to the final major of the year, Montgomerie expressed his skepticism about Woods’ decision to tee off at Royal Troon. He reflected on Woods’ performance at Pinehurst, suggesting that Woods appeared to lack enjoyment and enthusiasm for the game. “I hope people remember Tiger as he was, with the passion and charismatic aura that surrounded him,” Montgomerie said in an interview with The Times. “There’s none of that now. At Pinehurst, he didn’t seem to enjoy a single shot, and you’re left thinking, ‘What the hell is he doing?’ He’s coming to Troon, and I don’t think he’ll enjoy it there either.”

 

Montgomerie, who has long been a prominent figure in golf, implied that Woods might be holding on too long and suggested that it was time for him to consider retiring. “There is a time for all sportsmen to say goodbye, but it’s difficult to tell Tiger it’s time to go. Obviously, he still feels he can win, but we are more realistic,” Montgomerie added. His comments were seen by some as a challenge to Woods’ decision to continue competing despite significant physical and mental hurdles.

 

When these remarks were put to Tiger Woods at Royal Troon, he responded with a pointed counter-argument. Woods highlighted his unique position as a past Open champion, which affords him the privilege of playing until he turns 60. “As a past champion, I’m exempt until I’m 60. Colin is not,” Woods stated. “He’s not a past champion, so he doesn’t have that opportunity to make that decision. I do. When I get to his age, I’ll still have the ability to make that decision, whereas he doesn’t.”

 

Woods’ retort underscored the distinction between their careers and statuses within the sport. He defended his right to compete based on his long-standing achievements and exemption status, while subtly criticizing Montgomerie’s standing and the authority he might have to judge Woods’ decisions.

 

In response to Woods’ comments, Montgomerie took to social media to clarify his position. He argued that his original statements had been taken out of context and urged journalists to approach him directly for his thoughts on Woods. “If Golf Writers want my thoughts on Tiger, please ask me directly rather than taking a quote from an interview out of context,” Montgomerie wrote. “I wish Tiger an enjoyable and successful week.”

 

This exchange is not the first instance of Montgomerie commenting on Woods’ career. Earlier in the year, Montgomerie had suggested that Woods should have retired following his emotional farewell at St Andrews during the 2022 Open Championship. Montgomerie had expressed his belief that Woods should have ended his career after that poignant moment, when Woods waved to the crowd from the iconic Swilcan Bridge on the final hole of his second round.

 

Montgomerie’s comments in April reflected a broader sentiment that Woods’ ongoing struggle to compete at the highest level was indicative of a diminishing ability to contend with today’s elite golfers. “I just wish Tiger had gone after he waved on that Swilken bridge at St Andrews a couple of years ago,” Montgomerie told talkSPORT. “He’s kept going, and while he thinks he can still do it, it’s quite obvious now, both physically and mentally, that he can’t. He’s competing once a month, and it’s not enough. You can’t play once a month and hope to contend with these guys now.”

 

Despite the calls for retirement and the scrutiny over his performances, Woods remains committed to continuing his career. He is set to make just his fifth start of the season at this week’s Open Championship, where he will play alongside Xander Schauffele and Patrick Cantlay in the first round. The ongoing debate about Woods’ future in golf highlights the broader conversation about aging athletes and the challenges they face in maintaining their competitive edge.