After starting his Open campaign with a six over 78 he predicted he would need to shoot a 66 to make the halfway cut. He fell an agonising nine strokes short of that mark.

He knew his fate well before he teed up on the 18th of the Old Course for what, he believes, is the last time in The Open.

A winner on the Old Course in both 2000 and 2005, Woods’ 36-hole total of nine over ensured he missed the cut in the Open for only the fourth time in his illustrious career.

He struck a beautiful 328-yard drive just short of the putting surface and took the highly anticipated walk over the Swilcan Bridge. Playing partners Max Homa and Matt Fitzpatrick hung back to let the 15-time major champion receive the gallery’s adulation.

But, as he promised, there was stopping for commemorative photographs on the bridge as the golfing world had witnessed with the likes of Arnold Palmer, Jack Nicklaus, Tom Watson and Nikc Faldo with their final appearances at the spiritual home of the game.

Instead, he waved his cap to the huge galleries lining wide expanse that is the combined 18th and 1st fairways. Thousands of fans in the stands, and others hanging out of hotel and apartment windows alongside the course, clapped and cheered their appreciation for the former undisputed World No.1.

Tiger Woods' last walk across the Swilcan Bridge in The Open. PHOTO: Getty Images.

Good friends Rory McIlroy and Justin Thomas were over by the 1st hole and they doffed their caps in tribute to Woods, which drew a few tears.

"The warmth and the ovation at 18, it got to me," Woods said.

"Just the walk. I felt the guys (Homa and Fitzpatrick) stop there off the tee at 18. It was just incredible, the amount of understanding and respect that are involved in this event.

“I'm not retiring from the game. But I don't know if I will be physically able to play back here again when it comes back around. I'll be able to play future British Opens, yes." – Tiger Woods.

“It's very emotional for me. I've been coming here since 1995, and I don't know when – I think the next one comes around in what, 2030 –and I don't know if I will be physically able to play by then.

“So, to me it felt like this might have been my last British Open here at St Andrews. And the fans, the ovation and the warmth, it was an unbelievable feeling.

“I understand what Jack and Arnold had gone through in the past. I was kind of feeling that way there at the end. And just the collective warmth and understanding. They understand what golf's all about and what it takes to be an Open champion.

“And I've been lucky enough and fortunate enough to have won this twice here. And it felt very emotional, just because I just don't know what my health is going to be like. And I feel like I will be able to play future British Opens, but I don't know if I'll be able to play that long enough that when it comes back around here, will I still be playing?

It was tough going for Tiger in the second round. PHOTO: Matthew Harris / Golf Picture Agency.

The earliest the Open can return to St. Andrews is 2026, and Woods will then be 50. However, it is more likely that St. Andrews will host again in 2027 to uphold the tradition of returning to The Home of Golf every five years.

“I'm not retiring from the game,” Woods said. “But I don't know if I will be physically able to play back here again when it comes back around. I'll be able to play future British Opens, yes.

“It's a struggle playing just the three events I played this year. That in itself was something I'm very proud of. I was able to play these three events, considering what has transpired.

Hopefully we do more hard work and give myself some more chances next year to play a few more events.”

In the meantime, he’s looking forward to playing his favourite course in the world, the Old Course, for fun alongside his son, Charlie.

“I'm sure my son will probably want me to come back here and play. I was fortunate enough to have gotten an honorary membership to the R&A … And because of that I'm able to get a tee time,” Tiger laughed.