Tiger Woods is back in action at Royal Troon in Scotland for the British Open, determined to silence critics calling for his retirement. Despite missing the cut in his last two major championships, Woods remains resolute and confident in his ability to compete.

Colin Montgomerie, a former Ryder Cup champion, recently suggested it was time for Woods to retire. Montgomerie remarked, “There is a time for all sportsmen to say goodbye, but it’s very difficult to tell Tiger it’s time to go.” Woods, however, was quick to dismiss this notion. “As a past champion, I’m exempt until I’m 60,” Woods retorted. “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.”

Woods has faced significant challenges in recent years, including multiple injuries and surgeries, leading to withdrawals and missed cuts in five of the last six majors. However, he remains focused on his game and has been training intensively. “We’ve been busting it pretty hard in the gym. Body’s been feeling better to be able to do such things, and it translates on being able to hit the ball better,” Woods said.

This week marks the first time since 2019 that Woods will compete in all four majors in a single year. His commitment to the sport remains strong, despite stepping down from the 2025 Ryder Cup captaincy and engaging in complex negotiations with the Public Investment Fund of Saudi Arabia. “We’re making progress. I can’t tell you more than that just because we’re not going to negotiate on the outside,” Woods explained.

As for his own performance, Woods is adamant that he’s not just there for show. “I’ll play as long as I can play and I feel like I can still win the event,” he stated firmly. When asked if he still believes he can win, Woods confidently replied, “No.”

With his competitive spirit undiminished, Woods aims to make a strong showing at Royal Troon, proving that he’s far from finished in the world of golf.