European Ryder Cup legend Colin Montgomerie dropped the microphone on Tiger Woods.
He said Woods Should retire “He just doesn’t have the same vibe,” according to The Times of London. When should the Big Cat hang up his golf clubs? Montgomerie hinted at that ahead of Woods’ 23rd British Open appearance.
Why would the Scotsman think that? It’s not the first time he’s offered harsh opinions about Woods. Montgomerie even suggested Woods wouldn’t win again in 2017.
“I hope people remember Tiger with the same passion and charisma he had,” Montgomery told The Times. “We don’t have that now. At Pinehurst, he didn’t look like he was enjoying a single shot. You think, ‘What the hell is he doing?’ He’ll come to Troon and he’s not going to have any fun there either.”
Woods has overcome a lot since the accident that nearly cost him his leg and his life. It’s incredible that he’s even playing golf at all, because not many people knew it would ever happen. But his results since his return haven’t been what golf fans are used to seeing from Tiger.
He had ankle surgery last year and claims to be pain-free. The 82-time PGA Tour winner has played in just five tournaments since withdrawing in the third round of the 2023 Masters. The first event on his return was the Hero World Challenge.
Woods withdrew from the second round of the Genesis Invitational in February because of illness. The 15-time major winner entered the weekend having made a record 24th consecutive cut at Augusta National but had to settle for 60th place.
Since then, Tiger has missed the cut at the PGA Championship at Valhalla Golf Club and the U.S. Open at Pinehurst. He still believes he can win on the PGA Tour and insists he only plays when he thinks he can win.
Montgomerie had never won a major on the PGA Tour, but he witnessed Tiger’s aftermath firsthand in 1997, when the 21-year-old shot 65 on a Saturday to take a nine-stroke lead at the Masters. First major championship win.
The Scotsman felt Woods should have stopped at Swilcan Bridge in St. Andrews during the 150th British Open match.
But Woods didn’t stop at the bridge, showing his career isn’t over. The 48-year-old Tiger has won 15 major championships and three Open Championships, twice at St. Andrews in 2002 and at Royal Liverpool in 2005 and 2006.
Woods has hinted that he will play on the Champions Tour once he turns 50. But as a former champion, he can play in the British Open until he turns 60. He also has lifetime access to the Masters and PGA Championship. The USGA has given him a special exemption to play in this year’s U.S. Open at Pinehurst.
“Every athlete has a time to say goodbye, but it’s very difficult to tell Tiger it’s over,” Montgomery said. “Obviously, he still feels he can win. We’re being more realistic.”
Will Tiger retire before he matches Jack Nicklaus’ major record, or will he realize when it’s time to retire? Only Woods knows when he will retire, but when he does, the world may make it a national holiday.
Savannah Lee Richardson is a golf staff writer for SB Nation Playing Through. Follow us for more golf articles. Follow You can follow us on all major social platforms. You can also follow us on Twitter Follow Her Instagram account is @golf_girl_sl.
