GOLF
Tiger Woods fires back at Colin Montgomerie after retirement comment
The Scot claimed that Woods’ hopes of winning another major were ‘not realistic’, drawing a swift response.
Ahead of this week’s British Open, fifteen-time majors champion Tiger Woods has issued a response to claims that his dreams of winning another title are unrealistic. The comments came from Colin Montgomerie, the legendary Scottish golfer and former world No. 2.
Montgomerie claimed that Woods was no longer a realistic candidate to win a major, even suggesting that the 48-year-old should consider retirement. Woods did not take that suggestion well.
“Well, as a past champion, I’m exempt until I’m 60. Colin’s not” Woods said, referencing the fact that Montgomerie has never won a major championship. “He’s not a past champion, so he’s not exempt. So he doesn’t get the opportunity to make that decision. I do.’’
Woods continued: “I’ll play as long as I can play and I feel like I can still win the event.”
What did Colin Montgomerie say about Tiger Woods?
Woods took aim at Montgomerie during a press conference at Royal Troon in Scotland. The British Open is one of the most storied and illustrious competitions in the world of golf and Woods is preparing to make his 23rd appearance.
However his struggles for form have not improved in recent years, despite his victory at the Masters in 2019. Speaking about Woods in an interview with The Times recently, Montgomerie suggested that the golfing great should consider retirement.
“There is a time for all sportsmen to say goodbye but it’s very difficult to tell Tiger it’s time to go. Obviously, he still feels he can win. We are more realistic.”
So, can Tiger Woods really compete for the title at The Open this week? It would require a sensational return to form from Woods, who missed the cuts at both the PGA Championship and the US Open this year. His best recent performance came in 2018, when he finished T6th, and it’s difficult to see him replicating that showing.