Bryson DeChambeau doesn’t want Tiger Woods to retire, despite saying will be a “tough road to beat us youngsters”
Bryson DeChambeau believes Tiger Woods shouldn't retire from golf just yet. The LIV golfer recently shared his thoughts on the 15-time Major champion after veteran Colin Montgomerie suggested that Woods should retire.
Woods played in last week's The Open Championship but struggled with his game and failed to make the cut. DeChambeau also missed the cut.
As DeChambeau prepares to compete in this week's UK event of the Saudi circuit, he spoke about Woods during a press conference. Noting that he is inspired by Woods' competitive spirit, DeChambeau told media including Sportskeeda:
"He (Tiger Woods) is probably the most influential figure in the game of golf. He is the most influential figure in golf right now. I think he deserves to play in the Majors. He has done more than enough for this great game. He continues to get back playing in these tournaments and trying to win. He wants to win. He is a competitor and I think that's admirable."
"I think he can do it still. It's a tough road to beat the youngsters. But he gets the fire within. He is not going to stop until he is done," he added.
Earlier this month, in an interview with The Times, Colin Montgomerie suggested that it’s time for Woods to retire from golf.
"Aren’t we there? I’d have thought we were past there. There is a time for all sportsmen to say goodbye, but it’s very difficult to tell Tiger it’s time to go. Obviously, he still feels he can win. We are more realistic. These guys only know Tiger Woods missing the cut and he’s better than that, the best we’ve ever seen,” he said.
However, Woods shut down the retirement rumors during a press conference at The Open Championship 2024 last week.
"Well, as a past champion, I’m exempt until I’m 60. 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,” he said.
When will Tiger Woods play next?
After missing the cut at the Major last week, Tiger Woods went straight to support his son Charlie at the US Junior Amateur. However, young Woods also had a tough outing at the junior event and missed the cut as well.
During last week's The Open Championship, Woods spoke about his next outing. After missing the cut, he said he would probably not return until the Hero World Challenge in the Bahamas. He also hinted at playing in the father-son duo challenge, the PNC Championship, later this year.
Woods said (via ASAP Sports):
"I'm not going to play until then. I'm going to just keep getting physically better and keep working on it. Hopefully just come back for our - what is it, our fifth major, the Father/Son, so looking forward to it."
While Tiger Woods plans his return to competition later this year, Bryson DeChambeau will play this week. He will tee off for the LIV Golf UK event on Friday, July 26 at 2:15 p.m. BST on the first hole.