FAREWELL TO A SUPERSTAR
by stars past and present as well as a packed house.
Woods won two of his 15 Major titles at St Andrews and calls it his favourite place.
But with the next Open here tipped to be 2030, it felt like the farewell for the 46-year-old and it all proved too much.
Woods, who was there when greats like Arnold Palmer and Jack Nicklaus said emotional farewells at St Andrews, admitted: “I had a few tears.
“I’m not one who gets teary-eyed very often about anything, but when it comes to the game, I was lucky enough in 1995 to watch Arnold hit his first shot in the second round.
“And I could hear Jack playing his last one. I was probably about four holes behind, but could hear the ovations getting louder and louder and louder.
“It’s very emotional for me, just because I don’t know what my health is going to be like.
“The ovation I got is something I’ll always remember because I don’t know if I’ll ever be able to play another one here.
“I’ve been coming here since 1995. I think the next one comes around in 2030 and I don’t know if I will be physically able to play then.
“I feel like I will be able to play future Opens, but I don’t know if I’ll be able to play long enough that I will still be playing when it comes back here.
“So it felt like this might have been my last at St Andrews and the fans, the ovation and the warmth, was an unbelievable feeling.
“I understand what Jack and Arnold had gone through. I was feeling that way there at the end.
“Just the collective warmth and they understand what golf ’s all about and what it takes to be an Open champion.
“And I’ve been lucky enough and fortunate enough to have won this
twice here. So the warmth and the ovation at the 18th, it got to me.
“I felt the guys [playing partners Matt Fitzpatrick and Max Homa] stop off the tee on the 18th and it was just incredible.
“Just the amount of understanding and respect from all the people that are involved in this event, that come out in support of the players, the nods I was getting as the players were going out.
“As I walked further along the 18th fairway, I saw Rory [McIlroy] right there. He gave me the tip of the cap. JT [Justin Thomas] the same. It was pretty cool.
“From a players’ fraternity level, it’s neat to see and feel that.
“Then as I got closer to the green, the ovation got louder and you could feel the warmth.
“It felt like the whole tournament was right there and they all had appreciated what I’ve done here for the years I’ve played. All the times I’ve enjoyed here in Scotland.
“I felt like it just came to a head right there as I was walking to my ball.
“I’m not retiring. I’ll be able to play future British Opens, yes.
“But I doubt in eight years’ time, that I’ll be competitive at this level.”
Woods, who missed the cut at nine-over par, might not play an Open at St Andrews again, but, having been made an honorary R&A member this week, he might be back with son Charlie.
He added: “I don’t know. I’m sure my son will probably want me to.
“I was fortunate enough to have gotten an honorary membership here. “I have my locker. That’s pretty neat. And because of that I’m able to get a tee time!”