The aura of Tiger Woods might be fading following his harrowing two days at the Open Championship, but Bryson DeChambeau believes the 15-time major champion isn’t done yet. For the third consecutive major, Woods missed the cut at Royal Troon, finishing 14 over par for his two rounds as he struggled in the testing conditions.
But judging by his post-tournament comments Woods, 48, has every intention of returning to the UK next year for the 153rd Open at Royal Portrush.
His statement of intent has been met with scepticism in many quarters, with Colin Montgomerie one pundit to question why the 15-time major winner was continuing to try and compete at an elite level despite his physical issues.
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But US Open champion DeChambeau is refusing to write him off. And not only does he believe his compatriot has earned the right to keep entering major events, but he’s tipped Woods to actually win big again.
“He's probably the most influential figure in the game of golf,” he said, via Nuclr Golf. “He is the most influential figure in the game of golf right now, and I think he deserves to play in the majors
“He's done more than enough for this great game, and he continues to give back by playing in these tournaments and trying to win. He wants to win. He's a competitor. I think that's admirable, for him to be able to do that. I think he can do it still.”
DeChambeau seemingly acknowledged that the icon was now up against it, given the mercurial talent of the current generation. But he also paid tribute to the desire and dedication of Woods, who has regularly claimed he still turns up at major tournaments believing he can triumph.
“He's going to have a tough road to beat us youngsters, but he's got that grit and fire in him that he's not going to stop until he gets it done,” added the 30-year-old. “I wouldn't put it past him.”
DeChambeau’s close relationship with Woods became apparent after his victory at Pinehurst, prevailing over Rory McIlroy in a thrilling final-hole finish. The ’scientist’ revealed his fellow American messaged him before his fourth round, encouraging him to play bravely before he sealed the title for the second time in his career.
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Back in 2019, Woods famously defied the odds himself to win the US Masters at Augusta, 11 years after his 14th major title. That was despite undergoing four bouts of back surgery in the previous five years, to alleviate back and leg pain.
But in February 2021, his infamous single-vehicle car crash left him with multiple breaks and fractures in both legs, leaving many to question if he would ever return to the professional game. But he defied doubters to appear at the 2022 US Masters, making the cut before fading over the weekend.
