Tiger Woods explains tears at Open as golf icon confirms he's not planning retirement
Golf's iron man Tiger Woods broke down in tears as he bid farewell to St Andrews on Friday afternoon. Woods missed the cut by wide after a second-round 75 that came after he challenged himself to go round 66 on day two.
His 75 left him nine over par for the whole tournament when the cup was par, but still he walked away a hero as the crowd rose to salute him on his final march to Home of Golf. He intends to play despite the pain of injuries sustained in a car accident last February.
However, the 46-year-old admits he played his last competitive round at the Old Course. The Open will not return to St Andrews until 2030, when Woods will be 54.
"I had a few tears. I'm not one to get teary-eyed very often about anything. But the warmth and the ovation at 18 - it touched me", said Woods explaining his emotions on the way to the green on the 18th hole.
"For me it felt like it was my last Open here at St Andrews. I'm not retiring from the game but I don't know if I'll be physically able to play here again when he returns.
"I will be able to play the future Opens, yes, but in eight years, I doubt that I will be competitive at this level." Australian Cameron Smith is in charge ahead of the weekend.
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Smith had a blistering round on Friday, but the second day of play at St Andrews was all about Woods' tearful exit. Playing partners Matt Fitzpatrick and Max Homa stayed behind to let the 15-time Major winner soak up the adulation as he crossed the Swilcan Bridge and ascended the 18 alone.
“I felt the guys stop there at the start of 18 and it was just amazing,” Woods said. "People knew I wasn't going to make the cut, but the ovations grew louder as I walked home.
"They understand what golf is and what it takes to be an Open champion. And I was blessed and blessed to have won twice here. It was a sensation unbelievable. I felt like the whole tournament was there."
Golf's iron man Tiger Woods broke down in tears as he bid farewell to St Andrews on Friday afternoon. Woods missed the cut by wide after a second-round 75 that came after he challenged himself to go round 66 on day two.
His 75 left him nine over par for the whole tournament when the cup was par, but still he walked away a hero as the crowd rose to salute him on his final march to Home of Golf. He intends to play despite the pain of injuries sustained in a car accident last February.
However, the 46-year-old admits he played his last competitive round at the Old Course. The Open will not return to St Andrews until 2030, when Woods will be 54.
"I had a few tears. I'm not one to get teary-eyed very often about anything. But the warmth and the ovation at 18 - it touched me", said Woods explaining his emotions on the way to the green on the 18th hole.
"For me it felt like it was my last Open here at St Andrews. I'm not retiring from the game but I don't know if I'll be physically able to play here again when he returns.
"I will be able to play the future Opens, yes, but in eight years, I doubt that I will be competitive at this level." Australian Cameron Smith is in charge ahead of the weekend.
MORE GOLF NEWS... Woods website becomes a star and accepts Fitzpatrick complaintRory McIlroy breaks fan's hand at Open as slingshot images emerge Lee Westwood hits back at Tiger Woods as LIV Golf row breaks out at The Open
Smith had a blistering round on Friday, but the second day of play at St Andrews was all about Woods' tearful exit. Playing partners Matt Fitzpatrick and Max Homa stayed behind to let the 15-time Major winner soak up the adulation as he crossed the Swilcan Bridge and ascended the 18 alone.
“I felt the guys stop there at the start of 18 and it was just amazing,” Woods said. "People knew I wasn't going to make the cut, but the ovations grew louder as I walked home.
"They understand what golf is and what it takes to be an Open champion. And I was blessed and blessed to have won twice here. It was a sensation unbelievable. I felt like the whole tournament was there."
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