Tiger Woods couldn’t hold back the tears as he left the 18th green in what could be his final ever appearance at St Andrews.
The American hobbled round the Old Course and missed the cut as he suffered from pain caused injuries sustained in a car crash this year. Woods has missed the cut this weekend, finishing +9 after playing 36 holes.
The Open isn’t due to return to the Home of Golf until 2030. And Woods doubts he’ll be ‘physically able’ to take part in eight years’ time with injuries already taking their toll on one of the true greats. But if this is to be his final bow on the iconic course, then he’ll leave with an emotional ovation from the fans still ringing in his ears. As Woods made his way down the final fairway, the crowd rose as one to show their appreciation for the 15-time major winner.
And he struggled to keep his emotions in check, with tears visibly flowing from his eyes as he acknowledged the crowd’s support. He saluted the fans as he prepared to hole out for what could be the final time on Scottish soil.
Speaking to Sky Sports after leaving the green, Woods said: "It was very emotional for me. I've been coming here since 1995 and I think the next one comes around in 2030 and I don't know if I will be physically able to play by then. So to me it felt as like it might have been my last Open here at St. Andrews.
"The fans, the ovation, the warmth... it was an unbelievable feeling. I came to understand what Jack (Nicklaus) and Arnold (Palmer) felt in the past and I was kind of feeling that way at the end.
"Just the collective warmth and understanding. They [the fans] understand what golf is all about and what it takes to be an Open champion.
I have been lucky enough and fortunate enough to have won twice here and it felt very emotional just because I don't know what my health is going to be like. I feel like I will be able to play future British Opens but I don't know if I will be able to play that long enough for when it comes back here if I will still be playing."
Woods' campatriot Cameron young currently shares the lead with Dustin Johnson in eight under. Rory McIlroy is the leading Brit, tied for sixth on six under. Lee Westwood is six places back from McIlroy while Scotland's Robert McIntyre is tied 37th on four under par
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