Golf’s juiciest drama of the year? Tiger Woods and Colin Montgomerie’s beef. Everyone knows the drama that went down earlier this year between the 84-time PGA Tour Winner Tiger Woods and veteran Colin Montogermy. Now, you’d ask, why are we telling you this? Well, we’ve got an update on the saga that’s got everyone talking!
Golf legend Colin Montgomerie, 61, is facing an uncertain future due to internal health issues that have forced him to take time off and consider retirement. After a decent performance at the Staysure PGA Seniors Championship, Montgomerie revealed he’s been “very poorly” for six months and may take the rest of the year off to focus on his health.
He said, “I haven’t been well the last six months, I have been very poorly. I have been taking a lot of time off. I have never done that in my life. I might take the rest of the year off,” according to USA Today. Montgomerie has missed only once this year while giving some modest performances at Cologaurd Classic T17 and Mitsubishi Electric Championship T18.
USA Today via Reuters
When asked what these injuries were, the golfer mentioned them as ‘internal’. These injuries can be the potential reason that the veteran finally says goodbye to golf. And well, it’s kind of ironic considering what he said to Woods earlier this year. What? You don’t know what he said? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered!
The rivalry between Montgomerie and Woods
Less than a few months ago, Montgomerie said, “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,” per Golf Digest. He was referring to the Woods’ poor performances throughout this year. Which, well, is true. He withdrew from this year’s Genesis Invitational and missed the cut at three majors, the 2024 U.S. Open, the Open Championship, and the PGA Championship. The only major he finished till the end of this year was the Masters Tournament, where he rested dead last at T60.
Despite having the worst year of his career in 2024, Woods was not one step behind in replying to Montgomerie’s comments. “Well, as a past champion, I’m exempt. Colin’s not,” the 15-time major winner said, per Golf Digest. “He’s not a past champion, so he’s not exempt. So he doesn’t get the opportunity to make that decision. I do.”
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Woods had earned the right to keep playing until he thought otherwise. It’s inspiring to see him refuse to give up. His health has also significantly improved compared to last year. The golfer himself said that he’s hitting the gym more this year. And it showed at the Royal Troon when he walked 18 holes. Perhaps the golf community will witness him as the new senior champion after Phil Mickelson and Tom Watson.
