A question lingered, and time was running short. Or rather, multiple questions.
What motivates him to continue? What pleasure does he gain from it? How could one of the greatest golfers we have ever witnessed—likely the greatest we will ever see—find any comfort in being a secondary figure on the stage he once dominated?
His body requires constant maintenance, leaving little opportunity for him to play enough golf in smaller tournaments to refine his skills for the majors.
At best, he seems trapped in a cycle of mediocrity, making it hard to watch.
“I’ve improved, even if my results don’t really reflect it,” he stated with a mix of defiance—some might say delusion—claiming on Tuesday that he felt he could compete this week.
“I just need to continue progressing and eventually start playing more competitively, getting back into that competitive rhythm.”
“I’m going to keep getting physically better and work on it.”
Did another significant missed cut not serve as a wake-up call? “No, I loved it,” he answered.
Woods maintains a strong facade, but a formidable barrier was evident at that moment.
Out there, struggling against the elements and executing shots that his fitter, more dominating former self would never have attempted, he appeared to be enjoying nothing but the prospect of going home.
“I’ve always loved playing in major championships. I just wish I were in better physical shape heading into them,” he expressed.
“Of course, they challenge you mentally, physically, and emotionally, and I simply wasn’t as sharp as I needed to be. I was hoping to find my edge, but it never materialized.”
Will he be at Portrush next year? That was the crucial question, asked in the hope of hearing: ‘No, I’m finished; this is my last Open.’
Only through his remarks and the way he deftly sidesteps inquiries does Tiger seem to be performing at his former, extraordinary level.
“Yeah, definitely.”
Will he return to competitive play in Scotland? Rumors say The Open may well return to these shores in 2027 at Muirfield.
“Yeah, I’ve won two Open Championships here in Scotland, so I’ve always enjoyed playing in this region and the variety of links that Scotland offers.”
