Monty - Tiger's 'aura' has gone

Last updated: 11th December 2009

Colin Montgomerie reckons the recent revelations about Tiger Woods' private life will affect the world number one's golf game.

Woods has been the subject of lurid headlines almost daily since his car crash in Florida two weeks ago.

Ryder Cup captain Montgomerie thinks the American's aura of invincibility might well slip due to the recent revelations about his life off the course.

Montgomerie told Sky Sports News: "It will impact on every tournament Tiger plays, I believe. Let's hope the tabloid press finishes quickly and we get on supporting good golf, but it will impact on every tournament that Tiger plays next year.

"I think the mystique has gone, the mysterious nature of the guy has gone. He is suddenly - I hate to say - more normal now - if that is normal! There is a mystique which has been lost now and let's hope that golf isn't damaged by that and it shouldn't be."

And with Woods' golf game potentially weakened by recent events, Montgomerie feels his fellow professionals could reap the benefits.

The Scot added: "There was an aura, and that wall if you like has been split slightly, so there are cracks and I feel that it gives us more opportunity of winning these big events now."