Colin Montgomerie has jumped at the opportunity of inviting Tiger Woods to compete in next fortnight’s Johnnie Walker Championship at Gleneagles.
Monty is Tournament Chairman of the event commencing on August 25th, and with the golf world again uncertain when Woods will compete next, the Scot seized the chance to approach the long time World No. 1 to compete on the 2014 Ryder Cup host venue.
“I’ve asked him, as I have invitations available,” said Monty.
“We haven’t had a reply yet but I have asked him.
”It would be fantastic. It would be absolutely superb if Tiger accepted. I know he has his children to think about, and all that sort of stuff that goes with family commitments, but wouldn’t it be great if he did say ‘yes’ to any of our European Tour events?
“Never mind Gleneagles but it would be superb because it seems that over this next six week run there is nothing for him to play.”
Woods refused to add this week’s Wyndham Championship to his schedule that means he will miss the start the following week to the rich FedEx Cup Playoff Series.
At this stage, Woods’ next confirmed event is the November 10th commencing Australian Open in Sydney ahead of his appearance the following week in the USA Presidents Cup team.
Woods spent three months away from competition following an Achilles Heel injury and after indifferent performances in the WGC – Bridgestone Invitational and PGA Championship the last thing the 35-year old Woods would want is a further three months outside the ropes.
The present World No. 33 is ineligible for the November 3rd commencing WGC – HSBC Champions event in Shanghai, as well Woods does not qualify for the PGA Tour’s $US 6m Asia Pacific Classic starting the week prior in Kuala Lumpur.
However with Woods revealing recently in Akron he has business undertakings in China, he could very well compete in a $US2m first prize event taking place in China the week prior to Shanghai.
“Tiger looks like he’s going to have nowhere to play for nearly three months, and I think the guy wants to play,” said Monty.
“He’s not exempt into FedEx Cup, Shanghai nor his own event, the Chevron Challenge, so it would be great if he would decide to play in any European Tour event.
“It would be good for Tiger, as it’s a change of scene for him, and besides he’s got so many friends on the European Tour who is respectful of his golf, and what he does for the game.
“There will be huge crowds if he should decide to come to Europe and play.
“So once we knew he wasn’t in the FedEx Series, I got my manager, Guy Kinnings to extend a formal invitation to him through Tiger’s manager, Mark Steinberg but we haven’t had a reply, as yet.
“But it would be a real coop if we got Tiger to play at Gleneagles, and besides if you don’t ask you don’t get, so it’s worth a go.”
Former Johnnie Walker Championship winner, Paul Casey said Woods would have a ‘blast’ if he teed-up at Gleneagles.
“I would love to see Tiger go and play at Gleneagles, as I know how fun he would have” said Casey who captured the 2006 title.
“We’ve seen when he plays regular European Tour events and events in Australia as he just has a blast. It would be great to see him in Scotland. He just gets along so well with Clarkey, Westwood and these guys.
“It just looks like he’s having no fun on the golf course at the moment, and I know because I’m the same, and if I’m not having fun on the golf course I don’t play very well.
“Tiger always has that playful intensity. He likes to have a bit of a joke at someone’s expense.”
