CLEARY: TIGER WOODS ISN’T DONE AND MONTY CAN EAT CROW

For reasons known only to the high priests of nomenclature, a group of mongooses is called a ‘band’. This metaphorically describes the critics swarming Tiger Woods after he missed the cut at the Open Championship at Royal Troon with scores of 79-77.

Another major, another missed cut, and another chorus of pundits declaring his career over. His body is battered, he can’t play like before, and there’s endless talk about his legacy. However, while everyone mourns the decline of a legend, Tiger Woods himself remains undeterred.

Tiger plays major golf simply because he enjoys it, as he told Colin Montgomerie. He isn’t concerned about public opinion. Who wouldn’t want to play in the Open Championship if given the chance? John Daly and Ernie Els certainly did, despite poor performances and subsequent withdrawals.

Despite his struggles, Tiger Woods continued playing, shooting 79 and then 77, and while fans were sad to see him leave, he remains a captivating presence. This isn’t about us; it’s about Tiger’s belief in himself. He’s playing the long game, confident he can still win a major, even if not this year or next.

At 48, Tiger is aware that golf is a game where older players can still triumph. Phil Mickelson won the PGA Championship at 50, and Tom Watson nearly won the Open Championship at 59. Even Ben Hogan and Bernhard Langer had remarkable runs well into their later years. Tiger knows these stories and draws inspiration from them.

Critics like John Huggan argue that Tiger’s physical condition will prevent a comeback. But Tiger wasn’t limping noticeably at Troon, and if painkillers are part of his routine, so be it. He didn’t perform well due to lack of practice, but if he can make the cut at Augusta without practice, what can he do when he’s fully fit?

Despite missing the cut by eight shots, Tiger’s game isn’t far off. He believes his body can heal and regain strength. He can adapt his swing to his physical limitations and continue to hone his skills. Though he’ll never be the Tiger of his prime, he still has the drive and ability to compete and win in major tournaments.

Tiger is a billionaire with access to top medical and training experts, driven by a fierce competitive spirit and an acute awareness of his place in history. What else would he do but play? Apart from his occasional forays into modeling and his role in the PGA Tour’s player advisory group, his passion lies in playing golf.

Tiger turns 50 on December 30, 2025, and aims to compete in golf for another five to ten years, just like Tom Watson. He’ll keep playing in majors because he can and because at heart, Tiger Woods is a player.