Tiger Woods has not played since the 2024 Open Championship, where he missed the cut at Royal Troon – but has made no decisions on retirement just yet.
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Tiger Woods’ absence from the professional golfing scene for nearly a year has fuelled retirement rumours, despite his legendary status. At 49, Woods’ record is nothing short of spectacular, boasting 15 major titles, 82 PGA Tour victories, and an impressive 683 weeks as world No. 1.
Yet, this hasn’t stopped the whispers about when he’ll hang up his clubs, especially considering his recent slowdown and less dominant performances. Golfing legend Colin Montgomerie hinted that Woods should have bowed out after last year’s US Open disappointment, telling The Times: “I hope people remember Tiger as Tiger was, the passion and the charismatic aura around him. 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.” 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.” However, Xander Schauffele leapt to Woods’ defence, telling media of Montgomerie’s views: “Whether it’s his honest opinion or not, the game of golf needs him [Woods], needs him desperately.
“Selfishly, I want him to play as long as possible. It just helps all of the guys out here, just with the amount of eyeballs that someone like Tiger Woods brings to golf.”
Colin Montgomerie suggested Tiger Woods should retire (Image: Getty Images)
Woods himself replied to Montgomerie’s comments during a pre-tournament press conference for last year’s Open Championship. He said: “Well, as a past champion, I’m exempt until I’m 60. 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.”
Despite his ambitions, Woods did not make the cut at Royal Troon last July and has been absent from the course since, sparking chatter that retirement might not be far off. Following surgery on his lower back in September, he announced on social media that the procedure aimed to relieve “spasms and pain” experienced throughout 2024.
Xander Schauffele defended Tiger Woods
His return was further postponed due to the passing of his mother, Kultida in February. Taking to social media, he said: “I planned to tee it up this week, but I’m just not ready. I did my best to prepare, knowing it’s what my mom would have wanted, but I’m still processing her loss.
“Thanks to everyone who has reached out. I hope to be at Torrey later in the week and appreciate the continued kindness since my mom’s passing.”
Woods then suffered a rupture to his left Achilles tendon during home practice sessions, leading to surgery in March, which resulted in him missing the Masters the following month. The surgeon who carried out the procedure also confirmed that Woods will not be participating in any of the year’s remaining majors, including this week’s PGA Championship at Quail Hollow.
Over the years, Woods has claimed victory at the tournament four times, with wins in 1999, 2000, 2006, and 2007. However, all eyes will be on Jordan Spieth come Thursday, as the Texas-born star could emulate Rory McIlroy by securing the career Grand Slam.
McIlroy clinched the Masters back in April, adding the coveted green jacket to his collection of PGA Championship, US Open and Open Championship titles, thus becoming only the seventh man to win all four majors. With the US PGA being the only title to have eluded Spieth throughout his career, he could achieve the same feat on Sunday, depending on his performance at Quail Hollow.
To put it into perspective, only Gene Sarazen, Ben Hogan, Gary Player, Jack Nicklaus, Woods, and McIlroy have managed to do so to date – and having two Grand Slam winners within a month would be truly unprecedented.