“I’m exempt until I’m 60, Colin is not” - Tiger Woods sends brutal jab to Scottish golf legend calling for his retirement
Colin Montgomerie raised a few eyebrows when he suggested Tiger Woods to retire. The Scottish legend put the 15-time Major champion on the spotlight by stating that the latter’s time has come. He asked, "What the hell is he doing?" to the PGA Tour star.
Woods has now responded to the critic’s call for his retirement. The 48-year-old responded by reminding the 61-year-old that he has the past champion exemption until he’s 60. Woods, who’s won the Claret Jug thrice, took a direct jibe at Montgomerie and stated that the latter didn’t enjoy the same privilege.
Responding to Colin Montgomerie’s comments during his pre-event press conference at Royal Troon, Tiger Woods said, as quoted by Sky Sports:
“As a past champion I’m exempt until I’m 60. Colin is not.”
It is pertinent to note that Tiger Woods is ready to tee off at The Open Championship on Thursday, July 18. The ace golfer arrived in Scotland over the weekend, ahead of many of his rivals. The ace golfer looks in shape for another go at the competition.
Colin Montgomerie calls for Tiger Woods’ retirement
Woods’ comments come just days after Montgomerie took a jibe at him. The Scottish veteran questioned the 82-time PGA Tour winner’s current form and suggested that he hung up his shoes for good.
The European Ryder Cup hero shed light on Woods’ injury-riddled career and stated that the ace golfer had lost the ‘passion and the charismatic aura.’
Colin Montgomerie told The Times ahead of The Open Championship:
“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 dubbed it "realistic" that Woods brings the curtain down on his iconic career.
He added:
“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.”
It is pertinent to note that Woods has been hampered by injuries ever since his high-speed car crash in 2021. The golfer has registered reduced mobility over the years, causing him to withdraw from several events. Despite the injury woes, the golfer seems focused on continuing life as a pro golfer.