Tiger Woods is one of the greatest competitors in the history of sport. Yet, Father Time is undefeated.
Next week, Woods is set to tee it up in the 152nd British Open at Royal Troon in Scotland. It will mark his fifth time teeing it up this year, though he has played the weekend only once at the Masters. He missed the cut in the other two majors and withdrew from his event, the Genesis Invitational, in February.
Woods has spoken about being near the end of his career, even though he and fans don’t like discussing when that time may come. But for 61-year-old Colin Montgomerie, he thinks Woods is past due for turning the page.
In a recent interview with the Times of London, Montgomerie said Woods was a shell of the player who beat Monty at the 2005 Open Championship.
“I hope people remember Tiger as Tiger was, the passion and the charismatic aura around him,” Montgomerie said. “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.
Since his accident in February 2021, Woods has played in only nine PGA Tour events and completed 72 holes just three times. He also has three WDs.
Earlier this year, Woods said he would like to play an event every month, though he’s not likely to get anywhere close to that.
It’s another reason Montgomerie says Woods needs to walk away.
“Aren’t we there? I’d have thought we were past there,” Montgomerie said. “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.”
Monty went on to say if Woods continues to play, he could tarnish his legacy.
“These guys only know Tiger Woods missing the cut , and he’s better than that… the best we’ve ever seen.”
