Colin Montgomerie makes fresh Tiger Woods remark after retirement controversy
Colin Montgomerie’s New Comments on Tiger Woods Amidst Retirement Speculations*
Tiger Woods, renowned as one of the greatest golfers in history with 15 major championships to his name, has struggled to regain his competitive edge on the PGA Tour following severe leg injuries from a serious car accident in February 2021. The 48-year-old Woods has only competed in five tournaments this year, making the cut in just one, at the Masters.
Scottish golf legend Colin Montgomerie, who frequently battled Woods during their respective prime years, recently stirred controversy with remarks that were interpreted by some as suggesting Woods should consider retirement. Montgomerie, 61, has since clarified his comments, stating they were misunderstood and taken out of context.
In the wake of Montgomerie’s remarks, Woods faced questions about whether retirement was on his mind during a press conference leading up to the Open Championship last month. When asked about the potential for retirement, Woods responded with a note of defiance: “Well, as a past champion, I’m exempt. Colin’s not. He’s not a past champion, so he’s not exempt. So he doesn’t get the opportunity to make that decision. I do.”
Montgomerie has since revisited the subject in an interview with the Daily Mail, explaining that he was indeed misunderstood. “Yes, I was,” Montgomerie admitted when asked about the misinterpretation of his comments. “The journalist at the press conference used my name and the word ‘retire,’ which was incorrect. I never used the word ‘retire.’ What I meant was that I want Tiger to be remembered as the extraordinary player he was, rather than how he currently appears to be.”
Montgomerie elaborated on his perspective, expressing a desire for Woods to be remembered in the same vein as he was when he was a dominant force in the sport. “The last five or six majors haven’t been good for Tiger,” Montgomerie noted. “It’s disheartening because the enjoyment he used to exude while contending, the iconic fist pumps, and the incredible aura he had seem to be missing now. It’s truly a shame to witness.”
Montgomerie expressed concern that Woods might simply “fizzle out” at next year’s Masters, reflecting the harsh reality of Woods’ ongoing struggle to keep his career alive. Despite Woods’ plans to participate in one event per month in 2024, his schedule has not materialized as hoped. Woods is set to play in December at The Hero World Challenge, but if his difficulties persist, he may eventually transition to the Champions Tour when he turns 50 in December 2025.
Reflecting on his own career, Montgomerie discussed his achievements on the senior circuit. He recounted winning his first major, the USPGA Championship, in 2014, a victory that marked a significant milestone for him. “Winning the USPGA in 2014 felt like a moment where I truly belonged,” Montgomerie said. “It was a significant achievement that gave me immense confidence. I followed up with wins at the US Open and another PGA Championship the following year. It was a remarkable period in my career.”
Montgomerie’s recent comments underscore his respect for Woods’ past accomplishments while acknowledging the challenges Woods faces in his ongoing career. The dynamic between these two golf legends continues to capture the attention of fans and commentators alike, as Woods strives to reclaim his former glory and Montgomerie reflects on both his own successes and the evolving landscape of professional golf.
