BYE OF THE TIGER

Woods bows out after missing cut as part-time golfer gives way to full-time businessman... but legend hopes to be back playing at Royal Portrush next year

- NEIL MCLEMAN

TIGER WOODS waved goodbye to Royal Troon and promised to return to Royal Portrush next year on his farewell tour.

But the king of golf this century will not be back in the UK ever again as a competitive golfer.

The world No.874 followed his opening round of 79 with a 77 yesterday to miss his third consecutive cut at The Open and in Majors this summer.

Woods, 48, then said he will not play again until his own Hero Challenge in the Bahamas in December followed by the PNC Championship in Florida with his son Charlie.

He is now a part-time golfer but a full-time business and brand. But he is also still the golfing legend everyone wants to see for maybe the final time.

Colin Montgomerie attracted the ire of Woods before the American's 23rd Open by suggesting: "There is a time for all sportsmen to say goodbye but it's very tell Tiger it's time still feels he can are more realistic." difficult to to go. He win. We The Scot was right and wrong. The former world No.1, who pledged in his prime to never be a ceremonial golfer, is no longer about winning, but keeping his name visible and shaping the future of golf.