Xander Schauffele ‘selfishly’ backs Tiger Woods, calls out Scottish legend for his controversial comments
Tiger Woods clapped back at Colin Montgomerie on Tuesday for suggesting the 15-time Major winner to retire. The PGA Tour star, preparing for The Open Championship this weekend, called out the Scottish legend and said he will continue to play. Xander Schauffele soon came out in support.
Just hours after Woods’ response, Schauffele also called out Montgomerie. The PGA Championship winner backed the 82-time Tour winner and stated that he should continue playing for “as long as possible.” He claimed that the former World No. 1 brought a high ‘amount of eyeballs’ to golf and he ‘still got a lot of fight’ in him.
Speaking ahead of teeing up alongside the Woods at The Open Championship, the 30-year-old stated he ‘selfishly’ wants the 48-year-old to prolong his retirement.
Xander Schauffele said at Royal Troon Golf Club (at 5:52):
“He (Tiger Woods) is still wearing that red on Sunday. I just heard some of those comments that were said by Colin (Montgomerie) and whether it's his honest opinion or not, the game of golf needs him desperately. Selfishly, I want him to play as long as possible.
"It just helps all the guys out here, just with the amount of eyeballs someone like Tiger Woods brings to golf… I think he's pretty honest with his own assessment, he’ll hang up when he feels he's ready and he's still got a lot of bite and a lot of fight in him.”
Schauffele reiterated that he’s “not too worried” about Woods and he looks forward to playing with the ace golfer for the first few days at The Open Championship.
Tiger Woods slams Colin Montgomerie for criticism
Montgomerie stirred a controversy by suggesting Tiger Woods to retire. The Scottish veteran questioned the 82-time PGA Tour winner’s current form and asked "What the hell is he doing?" He claimed that the ace golfer had lost the ‘passion and the charismatic aura.’
This didn’t seem to sit well with Woods. On Tuesday, the 48-year-old clapped back at the European Ryder Cup hero by stating that he had the past champion exemption until he's 60. Taking a jibe at his 61-year-old critic, the three-time British Open winner added that the former 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 a past champion I’m exempt until I’m 60. Colin is not.”
Woods is ready to tee off at The Open Championship on Thursday, July 18. The ace golfer, who’s been riddled with injuries in the past, arrived earlier in Scotland ahead of the competition.
The former Claret Jug winner exuded confidence in his game and stated that he continues to believe he could taste victory again in the competition.