Colin Montgomerie sparked much debate after suggesting Tiger Woods should consider retirement – and the 15-time major champion has now responded ahead of this week’s Open Championship.
During an interview with The Times, the Scot claimed Woods might have reached a point where he should end his illustrious career.
“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 said.
“Aren’t we there? I’d have thought we were past there,” he added. “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.”
And now, Woods has offered a brutal response.
Tiger Woods takes aim at Colin Montgomerie after retirement comment
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Speaking during his press conference on Tuesday, Woods was asked about the comments from Europe’s former Ryder Cup captain.
And his response was bullish.
“As a past champion, I’m exempt until I’m 60. Colin is not,” said Woods. The former world number one was also insistent that he could still challenge the world’s best players.
A journalist asked: “Has that belief wavered at all that you can still win?”
Woods replied: “No.”
Colin Montgomerie’s comments on Tiger Woods were wide of the mark
For those who watched Woods at Pinehurst, there were clear signs of life. His driving was as good as it’s been in years, and his short game was impressive.
He was unfortunate to narrowly miss the cut and was a victim of one or two bad breaks during his second round.
For Montgomerie to suggest Woods should retire due to that performance is harsh and also extremely bold.
The 48-year-old has impressed during practice rounds at Royal Troon and could be well suited to the style of golf required this week.
Now, with criticism to fuel him, it wouldn’t be a surprise to see Woods make the cut at The Open and emphatically answer his critics.
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