Why Tiger Woods Should Not (And Will Not) Stop On The Swilcan Bridge
It's clear that the 15-time Major has a number of Opens left in him


Tiger Woods' week at St Andrews is going to end prematurely after there being a feeling that this 150th Open might have been a significant week for the 15-time Major winner.
Following his car accident last year and with it coming at the latter stage of his career, there were feelings that the icon may choose to bow out at the home of golf. We don't really know when The Open will return to St Andrews, it's the historic 150th playing of the championship and this is Tiger's favourite golf course in the world. Perhaps it would be the perfect time to say goodbye.
However, that doesn't look like it'll be happening this week. Woods will be bowing out today, but only out of the tournament after opening with a 78. He laughed off a retirement question earlier in the week and remains dead-set on competing in the world's biggest and best events.
VIDEO: THINGS YOU DIDN'T KNOW ABOUT TIGER WOODS
He'll never play a full schedule again, that's for sure, but he will play on. His next St Andrews Open could be his last, but this one certainly isn't.
Mark Calcavecchia, who said his goodbye to The Open himself today on the Swilcan Bridge, agrees. "I'm going to say no. This isn't his last Open, especially here," he said. "He'll be back."
It's not yet known when the home of golf will again host the world's oldest Major but possible dates could be 2027 or 2030. By that time, Woods will be in his his early-to-mid-50s and perhaps a ceremonial golfer, which may present the perfect time to walk away from the sport.
He could even go on longer, and he probably will. He's exempt into this tournament for another 14 years and even 62-year-old Calcavecchia played 36 holes on two dodgy knees this week.
What we do know is that the 46-year-old made the cut at Augusta National and the PGA Championship this year and has not loads but enough time left to play many more Opens. It's been great to see him back at St Andrews this week. Here's to a few more.
Get the Golf Monthly Newsletter
Tips on how to play better, latest equipment reviews, interviews with the biggest names and more.

Elliott Heath is our News Editor and has been with Golf Monthly since early 2016 after graduating with a degree in Sports Journalism. He manages the Golf Monthly news, features, courses and travel sections as well as our large Facebook, Twitter and Instagram pages. He covered the 2022 Masters from Augusta National as well as four Open Championships on-site including the 150th at St Andrews. His first Open was in 2017 at Royal Birkdale, when he walked inside the ropes with Jordan Spieth during the Texan's memorable Claret Jug triumph. He has played 35 of our Top 100 golf courses, with his favourites being both Sunningdales, Woodhall Spa, Western Gailes, Old Head and Turnberry. He has been obsessed with the sport since the age of 8 and currently plays at West Byfleet Golf Club in Surrey, where his handicap index floats anywhere between 2-5. His golfing highlights are making albatross on the 9th hole on the Hotchkin Course at Woodhall Spa, shooting an under-par round, playing in the Aramco Team Series on the Ladies European Tour and making his one and only hole-in-one at the age of 15 - a long time ago now!
Elliott is currently playing:
Driver: Titleist TSR4
3 wood: Titleist TSi2 HL
Irons: Mizuno MP-H4 3-iron, Mizuno MP5 4-PW
Wedges: Cleveland RTX ZipCore 50, 54, 58
Putter: Odyssey White Hot OG #5
-
Will Zalatoris Describes ‘Golfer’s Worst Nightmare’ Of Masters Withdrawal Before Back Surgery
The 27-year-old will return to action at the Hero World Challenge after needing to withdraw from The Masters at the last minute
By Mike Hall Published
-
Tiger Woods Using New TaylorMade Driver At Hero World Challenge
The 15-time Major winner was pictured hitting the new unreleased TaylorMade driver in practice for his return at the Hero World Challenge
By Elliott Heath Published
-
Tiger Woods ‘Thinks He Can Play Five Or Six Tournaments In 2024’
Woods is yet to make his latest comeback at the Hero World Challenge but reportedly already has plans for more action next year
By Jonny Leighfield Published
-
Hero World Challenge Prize Money Payout 2023
Tiger Woods makes his long-awaited comeback at a tournament he hosts, as the field of 20 competes
By Mike Hall Published
-
Rose Zhang Misses First Cut As A Professional
The American carded a second round 77 to miss the cut by two shots, having been just two shots off the lead following the opening day on Thursday
By Matt Cradock Published
-
8 Of The Best Players To Never Win The Open
We take a closer look at the best players never to have lifted the old Claret Jug
By Michael Weston Published
-
'If LIV Golf Was The Last Place To Play Golf On Earth I Would Retire' - McIlroy Firm On LIV Stance
Rory McIlroy gave an emphatic response to proposals for him and Tiger Woods to captain LIV Golf teams, saying he'd rather retire
By Paul Higham Published
-
How Many Drivers Did Tiger Woods Hit At The 2006 Open?
Tiger Woods' iconic victory at Royal Liverpool was memorable in many ways but his brilliant reliance on his long irons will live long in the memory
By Mark Townsend Published
-
McIlroy And Woods Proposed To Become LIV Golf Team Owners According To Document
A document from the PGA Tour's Framework Agreement showed a proposal for Woods and McIlroy to become LIV Golf team owners
By Elliott Heath Published
-
US Open Winner Allisen Corpuz Moves Up To Career-High World Ranking
Allisen Corpuz moves up to sixth in the world and looks to have wrapped up a Solheim Cup spot after her US Open triumph
By James Nursey Published