Bryson DeChambeau believes that Tiger Woods still has what it takes to compete at the top of professional golf, after doubt was cast over the 15-time major champion’s playing future.
Woods made just his fifth start of the season at The Open Championship last week, missing the cut following testing conditions at Royal Troon. Heading into the event it was suggested by Colin Montgomerie that Woods’ time competing for golf’s biggest prizes was over, despite the 82-time PGA Tour’s perseverance to play in the four major championships.
Woods himself was quick to shoot down the claims, commenting ahead of last week’s Open: “Well, as a past champion, I’m exempt until I’m 60. Colin is not. He is not a past champion, so he’s not exempt. So he doesn’t get the opportunity to make that decision.
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“I do. So when I get to his age, I get to make that decision, where he doesn’t.” In the aftermath of his missed cut last Friday, the three-time Open champion revealed he plans to be back in action at the final major of the year at Royal Portrush next year, a clear sign that he believes he can still compete.
One week on, his former Ryder Cup teammate DeChambeau has had his say, and he believes the 48-year-old has every right to continue to compete at the top. Speaking at LIV Golf UK this week, the Crushers captain said: “He’s probably the most influential figure in the game of golf.
“He is the most influential figure in the game of golf right now, and I think he deserves to play in the majors. He’s done more than enough for this great game, and he continues to give back by playing in these tournaments and trying to win. He wants to win. He’s a competitor. I think that’s admirable, for him to be able to do that.”
Woods had previously stated that he would consider retiring when he feels he can no longer compete for titles at the top of the game, something DeChambeau believes he is still able to do despite the current crop of modern stars. “I think he can do it still,” said the LIV star about Woods’ chances of winning a record-breaking 83rd PGA Tour title.
“He’s going to have a tough road to beat us youngsters, but he’s got that grit and fire in him that he is not going to stop until he gets it done. I wouldn’t put it past him.” Ahead of this week’s LIV event in the UK, DeChambeau broke the internet by uploading a YouTube video playing golf with former US President Donald Trump.
Explaining how the Trump collaboration came about on Thursday, DeChambeau said: “First off, it’s an honor to play with anybody of that type of influence, no matter who it is on any political side… We were able to call out and ask him to play, and he said yeah, absolutely. We asked the other side, as well, and anyone that wants to play. They’re more than willing to do something for charity. Wanted to make it about charity and the wounded warriors foundation.”
