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(New York, NY) - One of golf's all-time greats believes the time has come for Tiger Woods to walk away from the game. Colin Montgomerie, a Hall of Famer who competed against Woods for over two decades, thinks Woods should retire immediately.

In an interview with The Times of London, Montgomerie didn't mince words about Woods' current ability. "Aren’t we there? I’d have thought we were past there," Montgomerie said. "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."

Montgomerie acknowledged how difficult it is to tell Woods to stop playing, given his legendary competitiveness. However, the results speak for themselves - Woods has missed the cut in four of his last five majors and withdrawn from another. 

Tiger Woods given brutal retirement message and told to be 'realistic' (Image: Andrew Redington/ALLSPORT)

The numbers seem to back up Montgomerie's assertion. Woods, who turns 48 next month, has failed to crack the top-20 in any of the 13 majors since winning the 2019 Masters, his first major victory in over a decade. Over his last 25 major appearances dating back to 2015, Woods has only four top 20 finishes.

Montgomerie was also unimpressed by Woods' performance at last month's U.S. Open at Pinehurst No. 2. "[He] did not seem to enjoy a single shot," Montgomerie said, "and he won't enjoy it" at next week's Open Championship at St. Andrews.

Perhaps most tellingly, the Scot believes Woods should have retired two years ago after missing the cut at the 2021 Open Championship at St. Andrews. "That was the time. Stand on that bridge, start waving, and everyone goes, ‘So, is that it?’ ‘Yeah, it is.’ It would have been a glorious way to go," Montgomerie said. "The stands were full. The world’s TV cameras — from all continents — were on him. He’s walking up there on his own, tears were in his eyes, obviously. … You can’t beat that walk."

When asked about continuing after this year's Open at Royal Troon, even Woods seemed uncertain about his future. "I don't know. ... It may or may not be," he said.

It remains to be seen if Woods will ultimately heed the advice of Montgomerie, who garnered 21 wins on the European Tour, and call it a career. But according to one of golf's all-time great competitors, the evidence suggests Tiger Woods has stayed in the game past his expiration date.

Tiger Woods and Colin Montgomerie share a laugh during the 2013 Abu Dhabi HSBC/ Andrew Redington

Of course, only Tiger knows if and when the fire still burns inside to challenge the sport's elite. But it's clear from Montgomerie's viewpoint that Woods no longer looks like the dominant figure he once was. As Woods prepares to make what could be his final Open start next week in Scotland, the golf world will be watching to see if time may finally be running out on one of the greatest careers the game has ever seen.

What are the reasons behind Tiger Woods' recent decline in performance

Physical limitations

Several injuries to his left leg, particularly the ACL and knee, have caused physical limits in his swing and game.

His body began breaking down in his late 30s, as is normal among many great golfers.

The major vehicle accident in 2021 resulted in several fractures and required screws and pins, greatly limiting his physical ability.

Mental and Personal Struggles

The "sex scandal, divorce, media rollercoaster" of the late 2000s had a bad impact on the mental component of his game.

Losing control of his life and living with continual physical discomfort has been disheartening and frustrating.

Spending less time training and more time with his children contributed to his downfall.

The Decline of Other Greats

Many great golfers, like Ben Hogan, Arnold Palmer, Tom Watson, Nick Faldo, and Seve Ballesteros, have rapid drops around the age of 40.

Woods played at an extremely high level for a long time, so a downturn was probably inevitable.

Increased Competition

The current generation of PGA Tour players is stronger, fitter, and using superior technology than the pre-Tiger period.

Woods increased the bar for the competitors, making it more difficult for him to retain his domination.

References: https://www.foxnews.com/sports/golf-hall-famer-says-tiger-woods-should-say-goodbye-sport