Tiger Woods has addressed whether he will retire or not following his emotional Open Championship exit on Friday. Woods made a fairytale return to St Andrews - having won two Claret Jugs at the Old Course - for this week’s landmark 150th Open.
However, on the course things did not quite go to plan as 15-time major winner carded nine-over-par across his two opening rounds to miss out on the cut by some way. Despite his misfortune, Woods received a hero’s reception down the 18th fairway as he brought his second round to a close.
Many had predicted that the American may never play again - let alone at St Andrews - with the 46-year-old clearly still recovering from injuries sustained in a car crash 17 months ago.
If his outing at St Andrews was his last, Woods no doubt left in style as the Scottish crowd surrounding the famous final hole stood and applauded for some time as he made his way up to the 18th green. As well as the crowd, even the 82-time PGA Tour winner’s fellow players cheered him home, as Rory McIlroy on the adjacent fairway and his playing partners Max Homa and Matt Fitzpatrick paid tribute.
It was an emotional moment for Woods, who was visibly fighting back the tears as he made his way to his second shot. It remained unknown as to whether this was the American’s swan song, however afterwards he assured that his remarkable walk up the 18th will not be his last on the PGA Tour.
Speaking afterwards, Woods confirmed: “I'm not retiring from the game.” His remarkable reception on Friday was no doubt extra special due to the fact it took place at St Andrews, a course so close to the three-time Open winner’s heart. Speaking at Augusta National in April Woods revealed the Scottish setup was his ‘favourite golf course in the world’, with this week always penned in in the American’s part-time schedule.
Despite his reassurance that he will not be retiring, Woods did admit that his emotional outing on Friday could be his last at the Old Course. He added: “I don't know if I will be physically able to play back here again when it comes back around. I'll be able to play future British Opens, yes, but eight years' time, I doubt if I'll be competitive at this level.”
Do you think will Woods will play at St Andrews again? Let us know in the comments section below.
The 46-year-old has always reiterated since his return that he would only be playing professional golf on a part-time basis, due to the effects of his injuries. This year Woods has been able to battle against the elements to play in the Masters, PGA Championship and The Open, missing the US Open through injury.
Speaking about his staggered return, Woods revealed that he is proud to have competed in those three events alone with his life-changing accident just 17 months ago. He went on: “It's a struggle just playing the three events I played this year. That in itself was something I'm very proud of.
"I was able to play these three events, considering what has transpired. Hopefully we do more hard work and give myself some more chances next year to play a few more events.”
