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 last 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 he said the mystique had now gone.

"He will come back, but whether he will retain that mystique as an iconic player, I'm not sure," Montgomerie said. "It will be tougher for him, but he'll be out to prove he can do this under extreme pressure."

Montgomerie added that he hopes Woods is playing for the U.S. team in October when the Ryder Cup will be contested at Celtic Manor in Wales.

"Nobody is quite sure how long this absence is going to be," the European captain said. "We hope he gets back playing and winning tournaments."

•Eight-time major champion Tom Watson has committed to play in the Dubai Desert Classic. The 60-year-old American will aim to better the record of Mark O'Meara, who became the oldest player to win the title in 2004 at 47.

The event will be held at the Majlis course of Emirates Golf Club from Feb. 4-7.