Tiger Woods hasn't played once since Xander Schauffele message over retirement
Tiger Woods hasn't been seen on the PGA Tour since the death of his mother, Kultida, in February, and the golfing icon is yet to confirm whether he will compete again
Golf legend Tiger Woods has been absent from the professional scene for nearly a year, fueling rumors of an impending retirement.
At 49, Woods' legacy as one of golf's greatest players is undeniable. With a record of 15 major titles, 82 PGA Tour victories, and 683 weeks at the top of the world rankings, his place in history is secure.
Yet, this hasn't stopped fans and fellow players from speculating about when he will hang up his clubs, especially given his recent dip in form and injuries.
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Colin Montgomerie suggested that Woods consider retiring after a less than stellar performance at last year's U.S. Open, where he missed the cut. Speaking to The Times, Montgomerie expressed a nostalgic wish: "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."
"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."
However, Xander Schauffele didn't take kindly to these remarks, and leapt to Woods's defence, emphasizing his importance to the sport: "Whether it's his honest opinion or not, the game of golf needs him [Woods], needs him desperately. Selfishly, I want him to play as long as possible. It just helps all of the guys out here, just with the amount of eyeballs that someone like Tiger Woods brings to golf."
Woods himself contested Montgomerie's stance when providing his insights on retirement during a pre-tournament press conference for last year's Open Championship, stating: "Well, as a past champion, I'm exempt until I'm 60. Colin's not. He's not a past champion, so he's not exempt. So he doesn't get the opportunity to make that decision. I do."
Despite his status, Woods did not make the cut at Royal Troon last July and hasn't played since then. In September, Woods announced he had undergone a surgical procedure—microdecompression surgery of the lumbar spine—to relieve "spasms and pain" experienced throughout 2024.
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Woods' return was initially set for the Genesis Invitational in February, but the passing of his mother, Kultida, postponed his comeback. He expressed online: "I planned to tee it up this week, but I'm just not ready. I did my best to prepare, knowing it's what my mom would have wanted, but I'm still processing her loss."
Woods suffered a rupture in his left Achilles tendon during home practice sessions, leading to surgery in March. This injury sidelined him from the Masters the following month.
The surgeon who performed the operation also confirmed that Woods will be out of commission for all of this year's remaining majors, including the PGA Championship at Quail Hollow happening this week.
Over the years, Woods has claimed victory at the tournament four times, with wins in 1999, 2000, 2006, and 2007. However, come Thursday, all eyes will be on Jordan Spieth.
The Texas-born golfer could potentially follow in Rory McIlroy's footsteps by securing the career Grand Slam. McIlroy clinched the Masters back in April, adding the coveted Green Jacket to his collection of PGA Championship, US Open and Open Championship titles, making him only the seventh man to win all four majors.
