Former world no. 1 dismisses calls for retirement, asserts determination to continue playing

Tiger Woods has delivered a sharp rebuttal to Colin Montgomerie after the Scotsman suggested the 15-time major champion should retire. Woods, who is at Royal Troon for the 152nd Open Championship, dismissed Montgomerie’s remarks, emphasizing his right to dictate his own career trajectory.

The 48-year-old Woods, plagued by injury troubles, finished 60th at the Masters and missed the cut in both the USPGA Championship and US Open. Montgomerie, who has never won a major, implied in a recent interview that Woods should consider retiring. Woods, however, responded emphatically on Tuesday.

“Well, as a past [Open] champion, I’m exempt until I’m 60,” Woods said. “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.” When pressed further, Woods added, “When I get to his age, I get to still make that decision, where he doesn’t. I’ll play as long as I can play and I feel like I can still win the event.” He firmly denied any wavering belief in his abilities despite recent setbacks.

Montgomerie, 61, quickly addressed Woods’s comments on social media, stating, “If golf writers want my thoughts on Tiger, please ask me directly, rather than taking a quote from an interview out of context. Wishing Tiger an enjoyable and successful week.”

Woods also discussed his decision to decline the US Ryder Cup captaincy after extensive negotiations with the PGA of America. Keegan Bradley, 38, has been named as the captain for the upcoming event at Bethpage next September, a role Woods expects to take up in 2027. Woods cited his packed schedule, including ongoing negotiations with the Saudi Arabian Public Investment Fund, as the reason for his decision.

“The decision was very difficult for me to make,” Woods explained. “My time has been so loaded with the Tour and what we’re trying to accomplish. I’m on so many different subcommittees that it just takes so much time in the day. I’m always on calls.”

Woods also touched on the PGA Tour’s lucrative set of signature events starting in 2025, for which he has a lifetime exemption. “I told them, if I was going to get that exemption I wasn’t going to take away the last player’s spot,” said Woods. “If I want to play, I’ll be the 73rd player. There will be an odd man and be a twosome out or whatever. I’m not going to take another person’s spot.”

Additionally, Woods revealed he reached out to Rory McIlroy after the Northern Irishman’s disappointing finish at the US Open last month. “I just sent him a nice text, that was it,” Woods said. “I waited a week before I sent it. I wanted to let it calm down. I know he was being besieged by a lot of different things. It was just basically, ‘I’m your friend. I know this is a difficult moment.’”

McIlroy later noted he had changed his number and did not receive Woods’s message, unlike the more direct message to Montgomerie.

Analysis

Political The exchange between Woods and Montgomerie underscores the broader dynamics in sports where seasoned athletes resist external pressures to retire, asserting their autonomy and right to decide their career’s end.

Social Woods’s response highlights the resilience and determination of elite athletes to continue competing despite public scrutiny and criticism. His comments reflect a broader societal theme of individuals striving to maintain their relevance and agency in the face of challenges.

Economic Woods’s participation in major events continues to have significant economic implications for golf, driving viewership and sponsorship. His ongoing involvement in high-profile tournaments is beneficial for the sport’s financial health and popularity.

Gender The discussion of retirement and career longevity transcends gender, as athletes from various sports and backgrounds face similar pressures and challenges regarding the timing of their retirement.

Racial As a prominent figure in a predominantly white sport, Woods’s career decisions and public statements continue to influence the representation and participation of racial minorities in golf. His determination to continue competing serves as an inspiration to aspiring golfers from diverse backgrounds.