Xander Schauffele sends ‘selfish’ retirement message to Tiger Woods after brutal verdict
Tiger Woods Receives Mixed Reactions on Future in Golf Tiger Woods, a legendary figure in golf, has faced calls to retire from the sport following a disappointing performance at The Open, where he finished 14-over-par in the first two rounds. Colin Montgomerie, a senior golf star, was particularly vocal, suggesting that Woods should retire to…
Tiger Woods Receives Mixed Reactions on Future in Golf
Tiger Woods, a legendary figure in golf, has faced calls to retire from the sport following a disappointing performance at The Open, where he finished 14-over-par in the first two rounds. Colin Montgomerie, a senior golf star, was particularly vocal, suggesting that Woods should retire to preserve his legacy. However, Xander Schauffele, a prominent golfer and Olympic gold medalist, has ardently defended Woods, emphasizing his crucial role in the sport.
**Montgomerie’s Controversial Remarks**
Montgomerie, 61, expressed his views in an interview with The Times, stating, “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.” Montgomerie’s comments have sparked backlash, with many defending Woods’ right to continue playing.
**Schauffele’s Support for Woods**
Before Woods even began his rounds at Royal Troon, Schauffele had already dismissed Montgomerie’s comments. Speaking to reporters, Schauffele said, “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.”
**Woods’ Response to Retirement Calls**
Woods, who has been battling injuries sustained from a life-threatening car crash in 2021, responded to Montgomerie’s comments with his characteristic resilience. “Well, as a past champion, I’m exempt until I’m 60,” he 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. So, when I get to his age, I get to still make that decision, where he doesn’t.”
**Looking Ahead**
Despite a challenging performance at The Open and announcing a break from golf, Woods remains passionate about the sport. Schauffele, 30, and many others in the golfing community, will undoubtedly be reassured by Woods’ undiminished enthusiasm and commitment to the game.
