Maybe it's time for golf to be calm down

European Ryder Cup captain Colin Montgomerie has said that American golfer Tiger Woods' marriage crisis could have destroyed him personally, and his return as the world's top golfer is in doubt.

Montgomerie also said the shock revelations about Woods' infidelity could make it easier for his rivals to win in future.

"I think the mystique has gone. He is suddenly, and I hate to say it, more normal now. Let's hope golf is not damaged by that. It shouldn't be," The Mirror quoted Montgomerie, as saying.

"It will have an impact on every tournament Tiger plays. There was an aura, but that has been split. It gives you more opportunity of winning these events," he added.

Meanwhile, talking about Woods indefinite break from the sport, European Ryder Cup star Paul McGinley said that he is hopeful that Woods's absence will last just months rather than years.

"Obviously Tiger's main priority now has got to be to rebuild his life. And at the age of 34, he can take as much time as he needs to get it right. But golf needs him back, and sooner rather than later," McGinley said.

"With the economic downturn and with competition from so many other sports, golf has to have all hands on deck and Tiger is the biggest hand there is," he added.