Tiger Woods comeback at Augusta National 'would be phenomenal', says Rory McIlroy
- Planet Sport writer
- 31 March 2022
Tiger Woods has not competed profesionally since his car crash last February, but after being named in the field for the upcoming Masters, the 46-year-old could make a comeback.
The 15-time Major champion has undergone multiple surgeries since his severe car crash, making it difficult for him to walk around.
However, despite initially fearing his leg may have to be amputated, Woods is now on the road to a successful recovery, and a professional golf comeback looks on the cards.
He was named in the field for the upcoming Masters at Augusta National, and Woods was seen enjoying a practice round with Justin Thomas on Tuesday.
The hilly terrain at the Georgia course is Woods' biggest fear, with his right leg yet to fully heal.
However, it seems he is determined to feature in the tournament, and Rory McIlroy has labelled his potential comeback "phenomenal".
"I think for golf and for the Masters tournament and for everyone, to have Tiger there would be phenomenal," said McIlroy.
"I think it just adds to the event. Obviously, it does.
"Anything Tiger Woods does in the game of golf is heightened whenever he's there. I mean, it would be awesome for him to be there.
"He was there yesterday obviously and he's trying to see what he can do. Obviously no one knows but him if he can make it around and if he believes he can compete."
If Woods does make his comeback this week, it'd mark three years since his last Masters success in 2019.
His success came two years after career-saving spinal surgery, when many thought his career as a professional golfer was over.
Now, having already completed one remarkable comeback, Woods seems on the brink of returning once again, and with new injury concerns to overcome.
There's no one quite like @TigerWoods. pic.twitter.com/XaQI7YAPJf
— PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) March 30, 2022
McIlroy praised Woods' "sheer will and perseverance" for his 2019 success, and suggested that the legendary golfer likes to prove himself wrong.
"I've said this so many times, but from basically March of 2017 fast forward two years and he wins the Masters and where he was with his body and what he had to do to get back to being somewhat healthy.
"And it's not even being somewhat healthy, it's also what he has to do before the round and after the round just to get himself ready to go and play golf. The sheer will and perseverance is incredible.
"If he comes back from this again, it's just, he likes to prove people wrong, he likes to prove himself wrong, I think.
"Regardless of when he does come back, whether it's next week or a few weeks, few months down the line, he's a wonderful addition to the game and the game of golf is better when he's playing and when he's playing well."
