Xander Schauffele sends ‘selfish’ retirement message to Tiger Woods after brutal verdict

Xander Schauffele sends ‘selfish’ retirement message to Tiger Woods after brutal verdict

In a dramatic twist at The Open, Xander Schauffele has emphatically rebuffed Colin Montgomerie’s recent suggestion that Tiger Woods should retire. The golfing legend, Woods, 48, endured a tough outing at Royal Troon, finishing 14-over-par across the first two rounds, prompting Montgomerie’s controversial remarks.

 

Before Woods even teed off, Montgomerie, 61, had told The Times, “I hope people remember Tiger as Tiger was, the passion and the charismatic aura around him. There is none of that now. At Pinehurst, he did not seem to enjoy a single shot, and you think, ‘What the hell is he doing?’ He’s coming to Troon and he won’t enjoy it there either.”

 

Montgomerie’s blunt comments were met with significant backlash, as many, including Schauffele, rallied in Woods’ defense. Speaking to reporters on Tuesday at Troon (via The Mirror), the 2024 PGA Championship winner made it clear he sees Woods’ continued presence in golf as vital. “Whether it’s his honest opinion or not, the game of golf needs him [Woods], needs him desperately,” Schauffele asserted. “Selfishly, I want him to play as long as possible. It just helps all of the guys out here, just with the amount of eyeballs that someone like Tiger Woods brings to golf.”

 

Woods’ recent performances have been hampered by injuries sustained in a severe car crash in 2021. Despite this, the 15-time major champion responded to Montgomerie’s comments with typical determination, highlighting Montgomerie’s lack of major wins. “Well, as a past champion, I’m exempt until I’m 60,” Woods said before The Open. “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. So, when I get to his age, I get to still make that decision, where he doesn’t.”

 

Following a disappointing performance in Scotland, Woods admitted he would take a break from the sport. However, he made it clear he is not ready to retire. Schauffele, 30, will undoubtedly be heartened by Woods’ undiminished passion for the game.

 

Montgomerie later sought to clarify his earlier statements, claiming they were misinterpreted. He expressed his hopes for Woods to secure a fourth Open victory at Troon, though Woods’ performance did not align with these aspirations.

 

Despite fewer appearances on the course, Woods remains a dominant figure in the golfing world, notably defending the PGA Tour against the burgeoning LIV Golf. His leadership both on and off the green suggests that Woods will continue to influence the future of golf long after his competitive days are over.