Tiger Woods has sworn to make an Open comeback at Royal Portrush next year on what seems to be his swansong circuit. But the American icon will never tread the UK territories again as a contender after a grim couple of days at Royal Troon.
Ranked world No. 874, Tiger's successive rounds of 79 and 77 meant he missed yet another Open and Major cut this year.
Approaching the age of 48, Woods has announced a break from golf until his own Hero Challenge in December. He'll then move onto the PNC Championship in Florida where he'll pair up with his son Charlie.
While only a part-time golfer nowadays, he remains the titan everyone yearns to catch a glimpse of on the course.
Colin Montgomerie, prior to this Open, landed on Woods' bad side after saying: "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."
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Woods hit back but then was well behind the leaders come the end of his second round. Mirroring tennis star Andy Murray, Woods persists in the game he adores, even if it means competing at a level below what he once knew.
After a challenging 36 holes that saw him finish 14-over par while only scoring three birdies, Woods remained passionate, saying: "I loved it. I've always loved playing major championships. I just wish I was more physically sharp coming into the majors.
"Obviously it tests you mentally, physically, emotionally, and I just wasn't as sharp as I needed to be. I was hoping that I would find it somehow, just never did. Consequently, my results and scores were pretty high."
Woods, who has only played 11 rounds in five PGA Tour events this season due to his recovery from a car crash in February 2021, has announced he won't be playing again for five months. "I'm not going to play until then (the Bahamas)," Woods declared.
"I'm going to just keep getting physically better and keep working on it. Hopefully just come back for our fifth major, the Father/Son, so looking forward to it."
Woods is set to appear next at Oakland Hills where his 15 year old son Charlie has qualified for the U. S. Junior Amateur, an event Woods himself won from 1991-93.
Woods appeal was still unmistakably evident in Scotland here as throngs of fans roared at every shot, supporting the icon amid his physical challenges.
Patrick Cantlay, his peer on the course, said: "I'm always pulling for him, as I think the rest of the world of golf is. Yeah, anytime being out with Tiger is great. He's a great competitor and fun to be with."
Despite receiving a standing ovation at the 18th hole at St Andrews in 2022, which led some to believe he was bidding farewell to Scotland, Woods insists he will return.
The oldest Major is set to return to Northern Ireland next year, followed by Royal Birkdale in 2026. When questioned if he would be returning to Portrush in the year he turns 50, Woods confidently responded: "Yeah, definitely."
