Tiger Woods Hints at Retirement After Tough US Open Performance
Tiger Woods Hints at Retirement After Tough US Open Performance
Tiger Woods, the legendary golfer, has hinted that he might have played his last US Open after a challenging performance at Pinehurst No.2 in North Carolina. Woods missed the cut by two shots, finishing seven over par after two difficult days on the course. Despite a valiant effort, including a birdie on the par-4 fourth hole, Woods struggled, carding four bogeys and no additional birdies in his second round, ending with a three-over-par 73.
The notoriously tough major had a cut line at five over, with only the top 60 players and ties moving forward to the weekend. At 48 years old, Woods’ recent struggles were evident, as he needed a special exemption to compete in this year’s US Open due to his low ranking. His appearance was a rare one, given his limited play since suffering severe leg injuries in a 2021 car crash.
Before the tournament, Woods had mentioned plans to play one tournament per month for the remainder of the year. However, after his performance at the US Open, he revealed that the upcoming British Open Championship at Royal Troon might be his last tournament of 2024. “Even if I win the British Open, I don’t think I’ll be in the (FedEx Cup) playoffs,” Woods admitted. “Just one more event and then I’ll come back whenever I come back.”
Reflecting on his missed cut, Woods expressed his frustration and uncertainty about his future in the sport. “Well, it’s one of those things where in order to win a golf tournament, you have to make the cut,” he said. “I can’t win the tournament from where I’m at, so it certainly is frustrating. I thought I played well enough to be up there in contention. It just didn’t work out.”
Woods’ remarks also touched on the possibility of this being his final appearance at the US Open. “As far as my last Open Championship or US Open Championship, I don’t know what that is. It may or may not be.” This uncertainty adds to the suspense around his career’s next steps.
One of the most memorable highlights of Woods’ illustrious career was his victory at the 2008 US Open, where he defeated Rocco Mediate in a dramatic sudden-death playoff after an 18-hole Monday tie. As fans and fellow players reflect on his extraordinary achievements, the possibility of his retirement marks the end of an era in the world of golf.
As Woods prepares for what could be his final appearance at the British Open, the golf community is left to ponder the legacy of one of the sport’s greatest players and what the future holds for him. Whether this is truly the end or just another chapter in Woods’ storied career, his impact on the game will be remembered for generations.
