In an exclusive statement, Colin Montgomerie clarified that he did not express the desire for Tiger to retire.

On the eve of playing in The Open at Troon, there was a glint discernible in the Tiger’s eye as he began to ponder retirement after sinking his teeth into the suggestion.

During a pre-championship media conference, Tiger Woods was informed of comments made by veteran Scot Colin Montgomerie. Montgomerie had claimed that due to his injuries, Woods no longer seemed to enjoy the game.

Woods responded accurately by hinting at Montgomerie’s inability to clinch a major title despite coming close on multiple occasions.

“I’m exempt as a past champion,” he stated, “unlike Colin who doesn’t have that status and therefore cannot make that decision.”

Despite delivering the bluntest of retorts, Monty insists that Woods’ magic has transitioned into mediocrity and what was once enjoyable is now accompanied by frustration when Mail Sport catches up with him.

As another major slips away from him, Woods appears disheartened at this year’s PGA Championship.

As his devoted followers watch on, the once-powerful Tiger becomes lost in the Royal Troon woods.

He believes that the opinion is widely held. Nevertheless, he alleges that he was misquoted and his words were distorted.

“I was wrongly accused by the journalist at the media conference. My name was mentioned alongside the word ‘retire’, which is not what I said,” clarifies Monty.

I wished for Woods to be remembered as the exceptional player he used to be, rather than his current state. The last five or six majors haven’t been favorable for him.

I desire that he is recollected for being a challenger instead of merely being seen as a rival.

During this year’s unsuccessful Open Championship attempt, Woods encountered difficulties with bunkers.

“It’s unfortunate to observe that the pleasure of competing seems absent for him now. The triumphant fist pump, the captivating aura and everything reminiscent of Tiger Woods’ charm is missing in his approach. It’s a disappointment not seeing those characteristics anymore.”

It’s not a pleasant thought to imagine him participating in the Masters next year only for his skills to underwhelm and abandon him once again. The image I want is of Tiger as he existed in my memory, fiercely competing at the top like before.

I long to witness again the fervent fist-pumping and all his accoutrements, including the vibrant red shirt he donned on that last day.

Currently aged 61, Montgomerie sustains his personal drive to compete on the Legends Tour for players over 50 years old. However, due to a period of poor health, he is currently taking some time off from playing.

While some people speculated that he could be inactive for the remainder of the year, his actual expectation is to resume playing in October.

During this time of relaxation and rejuvenation, he has had the opportunity to contemplate his achievement of winning a new record that consisted of seven consecutive European Order of Merit titles, as it was referred to in earlier times.

In total, he claimed the title on eight occasions. However, his truly remarkable feat was winning it seven times consecutively between 1993 and 1999, demonstrating an unparalleled consistency in excellence at the highest level.

As he ponders, he admits, “I have a clear understanding of the toll it took on me. It was grueling – not just in terms of physical exhaustion but also the emotional strain caused by my children growing up during that phase.”

During that time, all three children were born and it definitely exhausted me.

Looking at Rory McIlroy is worthwhile to gain perspective on Monty’s accomplishments.

The Northern Irishman has secured five European titles that carry the same weight, but he remains three short of his goal.

After claiming his first major at Augusta in 1997, Woods unleashes his customary victory roar.

The Scot suggests that if Rory manages to catch up in the Race to Dubai, he hopes to be able to fly out and offer his congratulations as it is no easy feat. The Scot acknowledges that currently, Rory seems like the only real contender for breaking the record.

While other individuals may emerge in the future, currently he is the sole candidate with a chance of accomplishing it.

It’s unlikely to be seven consecutive times, however, the total could be eight or possibly nine.

With any luck, I’ll be physically capable of flying to Dubai in order to offer my congratulations when the time comes. It’s worth noting that he was a novice member of my Ryder Cup squad back in 2010.

In order to attain these objectives, one must be ready to make compromises. On my initial win at the age of 30, I recognized that participating in tournaments which I may have skipped on would now become crucial as settling for second place was not an option.

Initially, I was content on the conveyor belt and had no desire to disembark; however, when it finally malfunctioned – praise be to God!

“He definitely did,” he confirms with enthusiasm. “Lee Westwood earned the Order of Merit title in 2000 and I was pleased about it. Although I had been leading for most of the year, seeing him take over was fantastic.”

In 1999, Montgomerie clinched another Order of Merit title while carrying the Scottish Open trophy.

Sporting achievements are often not recognized immediately. However, with hindsight and 25 years passing by (as evidenced by this interview), it is now apparent that I have made a mark in history. The trophy I received during that time holds significant value to me even today.

In 1999, Ken Schofield (who was then in charge of the European Tour), gifted me a Waterford glass trophy embellished with seven stars at its base. The trophy bore an inscription emphasizing that winning seven consecutive times is an unparalleled and unsurpassable feat.

Monty’s complete control over European golf during that time resulted in several of the game’s most eminent names standing unnoticed while he took center stage.