Tiger Woods ready to compete at British Open
Five years after winning his last major championship, Tiger Woods has announced that he is “working” in the gym and is ready to compete for the claret title at the British Open at Royal Troon on Thursday.
The 48-year-old rejected suggestions that he would retire from the sport, having won his last major at the 2019 Masters and his final professional victory at the 2019 Zozo Championship. Woods faces major challenges since being involved in a car accident that nearly cost him his right leg in 2021. After missing out on the cut at the U.S. Open last month, former world number two Colin Montgomerie suggested it might be time for Woods to retire. “There are times when all athletes say goodbye, but it’s very difficult to say that it’s time to leave Tiger,” said Montgomery. “Obviously, he feels he can always win. We are more realistic. “”
In response, Woods states: “Well, like the last champion, I was released until the age of 60. Colin is not. He is not the last champion, so he has not been released, so he has no chance to make this decision. I’ll do it. I’m going to play as long as I can and I feel like I can still win.” Asked if his recent struggles have shaken his belief, Woods said, “No.”
Montgomerie said, “I wish Tiger a great week and a lot of success.”
Despite Woods’ confident statements, it’s clear that he is no longer the dominant player he has been for 20 years. While the tournament’s bias in favor of longer riders makes it unlikely he’ll regain his form, he believes Royal Troon could benefit him, where accuracy is more important than distance, which could improve Woods’ chances of hitting his target. “The older you get older, the more you can’t wear the ball, but you can roll it on this course,” said the triple opening winner (2000, 2005, 2006).
He added as follows: “This is why the elderly champions can always compete here. I’ve been working hard in the gym and it’s helped my game.”
Woods also expressed confidence that Keegan Bradley will be Ryder Cup captain in 2025. “He’s very passionate about the event,” Woods said. He turned down the captaincy due to time constraints, but said he might reconsider his decision in the future: “When I have more time and can fully commit, I will put my hat back on in the ring.”