Tiger Woods launched a scathing attack on the LIV rebels who have left golf divided heading into the historic 150th Open at St Andrews, warning them to enjoy playing at Majors - while they still can.
The three-time Open winner accused rivals of “turning their backs” on the tours that made them as he supported the R&A’s decision to exclude LIV frontman Greg Norman from its celebration of past champions.
Both the PGA and DP Tours have banned players who signed up to the Saudi-bankrolled venture, but the Major championships have so far allowed any player qualified to compete.
That could soon become near impossible for many, however, with no world ranking points currently on offer at LIV events.
"Some of these players may not ever get a chance to play in major championships,” Woods said. "That is a possibility, that some players will never, ever get a chance to experience this right here, walk down the fairways at Augusta National.
"The players who have chosen to go to LIV and play there, I disagree with it.
"I think that what they’ve done is they’ve turned their back on what has allowed them to get to this position.”
To mark the 150th edition of The Open, the R&A staged a special ‘Celebration of Champions’ event on Tuesday, from which two-time winner Norman was asked to stay away.
"Greg has done some things that I don’t think is in the best interest of our game, and we’re coming back to probably the most historic and traditional place in our sport," Woods added. "I believe it’s the right thing.”
Woods, who skipped the US Open to ensure his fitness for the final Major of the year, dismissed talk he could retire this weekend but conceded it is likely to be his final competitive outing at St Andrews.
