ST ANDREWS, Scotland | When Tiger Woods rushed into the aisle of 18e and as he crossed Swilcan Bridge from the Old Course in St Andrews on Friday, the tens of thousands of spectators rose from the massive stands to cheer the golfer with the three Claret Jugs.
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As soon as he left the mound, his playmates Max Homa and Matt Fitzpatrick slowed down to leave the immense grassy expanse to the 46-year-old Tiger. At a brisk pace, he crossed the emblematic stone culvert, waving his cap. And…
Seeing the ovation gaining momentum, his march immediately became part of the rich history of the British Open. Woods lowered his head, bringing his hand up to his eyes to wipe away a few tears. He then continued to shake his cap for the onlookers who have supported him since 1995.
“I felt all this collective and respectful warmth. They understand the meaning of golf and all it takes to become an Open champion. I was lucky enough to win twice at St Andrews, ”explained the one who is certainly not the most brawler on the set.
“It was a very emotional moment, because I don’t know what life has in store for me in terms of my health,” he continued after handing over his card of 75 (+3) thus ousting him from the rounds of the weekend due to a cumulative score of +9.
Unknown rotation after 2025
Was this his last walk in the heart of the 18e in St Andrews as part of the Open?
Very possibly.
Because the Royal and Ancient (R&A) has not confirmed a return to the Old Course before 2026 or 2027. Woods and Jon Rahm believe that it would rather be in July 2030.
The Tiger will then be over fifty. With injuries and age, he will no longer be competitive.
“I can still play in the next British Opens, but I don’t know if I’ll still be able to play when it’s played here again.
“So I feel like this is my last Open at St Andrews. The spectators, the ovations and the warmth made it an incredible moment. »
Woods well remembers Arnold Palmer’s farewell in 1995, when he was competing in his first British Open. He witnessed his first tee shot in the second round. And in 2005, he saw Jack Nicklaus bow out on the Swilcan Bridge. He remembers very well these unique moments and the loud and warm ovations of the crowd.
Photo AFP
At each hole, an imposing field follows in the footsteps of the legendary Tiger Woods. At the 10th hole on Friday, many of them wanted to immortalize the momentum of the one who is considered the greatest golfer in the history of this sport.
Son moment
By presenting yourself at the mound of 18e, he never thought about the moment that awaited him, because he was hesitating between two sticks. Wood 3 or wood 5?
After a good 3 wood slap that propelled his ball a few yards from the green, his playmates and caddies left him to head for the Swilcan Bridge alone.
He sought out his caddie Joe LaCava to hand him his stick. Apprehensive of the moment, it had intentionally left him a step ahead.
“That’s when I realized what was going to happen,” Woods said in a press briefing a few minutes after handing over his card, his eyes still shining.
Photo AFP
On the 18th green, Woods was once again overcome with emotion in a long hug with his caddie Joe LaCava.
“I thought about the next Open on this course. Maybe I won’t be there. And when I saw Rory on the first hole fairway waving at me as he lowered his cap, I really appreciated it. Justin Thomas did the same on the first tee. The guys nodded as they saw me move forward. It’s a huge mark of respect. It is a pleasant professional fraternity to feel. »
Hearing the ovation build in the bleachers and on Golf Place Street as he strode towards the green, that’s when emotions washed over him and he wiped away tears. .
“I felt this championship was on the line even though people knew I couldn’t resist the cleaver. They know what I’ve been through. Fans have appreciated what I’ve accomplished over the years, because I put all my heart and soul into it. I won two of my three titles here. I have had success at this tournament and in Scotland. Everything came to get me in this march towards my ball.
“I have always respected this championship and the traditions of this sport. I felt all the respect from the fans,” Woods said.
Photo Archyde.com
As he made his way to the 18th tee, Tiger Woods wiped away a few tears to the cheers of delirious golf fans.
no retirement
The man with 15 major titles has assured that he will not retire soon. However, he does not know at all when he will return to competition. Do not expect to see it again on the aisles before the end of autumn. His tournament in the Bahamas, the Hero World Challenge, is scheduled for the week of November 28.
Proud of his success in 2022 since he was able to return to the game 14 months after the terrible road accident which crushed his right leg, he participated in three major championships.
On a humorous note, Woods, now an honorary member of the R&A, believes he will likely return to St Andrews for recreational purposes.
“My son Charlie will definitely want to try this course. I have my locker in the locker room. As I am a member, I will be able to book a tee time more easily,” he smiled toothily.
So it’s just a goodbye.