I used to hate Tiger Woods. Why? Because he was too damned good. He made golf boring to me and I love golf. Who was going to finish second wasn’t as fascinating to me as who would win and we always knew Tiger was going to win. In golf pools based on tiers, Tiger had to be removed. It sucked.

After his divorce I found him more intriguing. Tiger had a bad boy side and it made him more likeable to me for some reason — I have issues. And he still won and was still the best so when someone asked me “Tiger or the field?” I’d take the field. I still didn’t want him to win even as his angelic and perfect persona was shot.

When his back issues became bad and we almost lost Tiger to golf I suddenly realized what I’d be missing. While I railed on his greatness and rooted against him, he was about to leave a massive void in the sport. He wasn’t the same Tiger but guys like Rory, Jordan, Colin and others couldn’t hold up and Scottie won’t either. I began to appreciate Tiger in a new way and regretted my hatred over the years. I was a fool. I didn’t appreciate what greatness meant for my selfish needs for a more competitive sport.

Apr 14, 2019; Augusta, GA, USA; Tiger Woods celebrates after making a putt on the 18th green to win The Masters golf tournament at Augusta National Golf Club.

© Michael Madrid-USA TODAY Sports

When Tiger won the Masters in 2019 I was ecstatic and in awe. Well past his prime it seems and winning his first major in over a decade, I hoped this was going to be a small resurgence. A few more majors? Why not? But when the car accident occurred in 2021, it was over. And here we are now.

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Tiger did an amazing job to come back and even compete. The physical struggle we see each time he tees up is a lesson in perseverance and grit. But it’s also sad to see. Pinehurst No. 2 was about as flat a course walking as you’ll get in a major. There would be less odd angle lies and it would cut down on poor stances and the wear and tear. If Tiger could make shots, he could perhaps push for a top 20. None of that happened and he missed another cut in a major. It’s over. He’s done.

So now what? The Champions Tour allows carts and Tiger would be competing against guys older than him rather than trying to hang with stars in their mid 20s. He’s eligible soon. But that’s not it. Can you possibly imagine Tiger Woods out there riding in a cart competing on what used to be called the Senior Tour with guys like Ernie Els and Steve Stricker? Nah, that can’t happen. That would be like Michael Jordan in some old man pickup league. We can’t see that.

I’ll be selfish again — Tiger needs to retire. I don’t want to see him limp around and miss cuts anymore. I don’t want to try to remember Tiger from his prime as he shoots a 79 or 80 on day two as his leg gives out on him. I tune in, I root for him to make the cut — and it doesn’t happen. It sucks.

Jun 14, 2024; Pinehurst, North Carolina, USA; Tiger Woods (right) and his caddie, Lance Bennett on the 1st hole during the second round of the U.S. Open golf tournament at Pinehurst No. 2.

© John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports

There are some guys in team sports who never knew when to hang it up. Franco Harris on the Seahawks, Tony Dorsett on the Broncos, Emmitt Smith on the Cardinals, Jerry Rice on the Raiders — those are a few examples. But those were team sports and they were forced out of their teams and wanted to keep it going. They will always be remembered as Steelers, Cowboys and 49ers. And Tiger will always be remembered as the best golfer ever. But in those team sports those guys could be hidden to an extent. Tiger is in a solo sport and we are watching Muhammad Ali getting knocked around by Larry Holmes. It’s just not what we need to think about.

Tiger Woods will be a great ambassador for golf but he’s too good and legendary to continue on as a player. As we watched Rory choke and DeChambeau soar, we forget that Tiger was 7 over and missed the cut again. Is that terrible? Nah, Scheffler made the cut at +5 and he was only two shots off him. But it’s not Tiger. Let’s end this.