Tiger talks up Open chances, dismisses retirement

Tiger talks up Open chances, dismisses retirement

Tiger Woods’ Defiant Stand Against Retirement Calls

At 48, Tiger Woods has firmly dismissed any notions of retiring from golf. His last major victory was at the 2019 Masters, followed by a win at the Zozo Championship later that year. However, since his near-fatal car accident in 2021, which almost cost him his right leg, Woods has faced significant challenges on the course.

 

After missing the cut at the US Open last month, former world number two Colin Montgomerie, who never clinched a major, suggested it might be time for Woods, a winner of 82 PGA Tour events, to retire. “There is a time for all sportsmen to say goodbye, but it’s very difficult to tell Tiger it’s time to go,” said Montgomerie. “Obviously, he still feels he can win. We are more realistic.”

 

Ahead of the Open at Royal Troon, Woods was asked about Montgomerie’s comments. He replied confidently, “Well, as a past champion, I’m exempt until I’m 60. 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. I’ll play as long as I can play and I feel like I can still win the event.” When questioned if his belief had wavered over the past two years of struggles, Woods simply said, “No.”

 

Montgomerie swiftly responded to Woods’ comments via X, stating, “If golf writers want my thoughts on Tiger, please ask me directly, rather than taking a quote from an interview out of context. Wishing Tiger an enjoyable and successful week.”

 

Despite Woods’ defiant stance, it’s evident he is no longer the dominant force he once was. The evolving nature of golf, with tournaments favoring the biggest hitters, hasn’t helped his cause. However, Woods believes the unique challenges of Royal Troon could work in his favor, where accuracy can trump distance. “The older you get, the less you can carry the golf ball, but over here, you can run the golf ball 100 yards if you get the right wind and the right trajectory,” Woods said. He noted that this aspect of the course often benefits older champions.

 

Reflecting on his preparation, Woods shared, “I’ve been training a lot better. We’ve been busting it pretty hard in the gym, which has been good. The body’s been feeling better to be able to do such things, and it translates on being able to hit the ball better.”

 

During the same press conference, Woods also expressed his confidence in Keegan Bradley as a future Ryder Cup captain after declining the role himself. “I think Keegan is going to be a great leader,” Woods said. “He’s very passionate about the event.” Bradley’s selection to lead the home side at Bethpage Black in September 2025 came as a surprise after Woods informed PGA of America officials that he could not commit the necessary time.

 

“I’ll put my hat in the ring again when I have more time and I feel like I can devote myself to a Ryder Cup,” Woods explained. “Right now, I’ve got so many different things I’m juggling and trying to get right at the same time for all the players that are a part of the PGA Tour. It’s one of those things where you just can’t get it wrong.”

In the twilight of his illustrious career, Tiger Woods remains resolute, undeterred by doubts and still driven by an unwavering belief in his ability to compete and win.