Colin Montgomerie believes Tiger Woods will return from his marital
problems to win more majors but says he won't be the iconic player
who dominated golf for the past decade.
Woods has taken an indefinite leave from the game after
admitting to infidelity.
Europe's Ryder Cup captain told BBC Radio on Sunday that he
had no doubt Woods would come back and add to his 14 majors, but
said his mystique had now gone.
"It is a shame that this has happened to our iconic sportsman
and I say that as a fellow golfer to a player I have admired,"
Montgomerie said.
"Nobody is quite sure how long this absence is going to be.
We hope he gets back playing and winning tournaments as soon as
possible.
"He will come back, but whether he will retain that mystique
as an iconic player, I'm not sure. It will be tougher for him, but
he'll be out to prove he can do this under extreme pressure.
"He has got four more to go to tie (Jack Nicklaus's record of
18 major wins) and five to beat him. He will come back and win more
majors providing his drive and ambition are still there. and let's
hope they are."
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
