Rory McIlroy believes Tiger Woods is unlikely to play any golf this 12 months however is backing the 15-time main champion to try a comeback after his newest damage woe.
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Woods surprised the world of golf on Tuesday after revealing he had suffered a ruptured Achilles tendon as he ready to make his return to aggressive golf, probably at subsequent month’s Masters in Augusta.
Nevertheless his damage, which usually requires a number of months of restoration and rehabilitation, torpedoed his deliberate comeback, and forged a shadow over the rest of the season.
Talking on Wednesday on the eve of the opening spherical of The Gamers Championship in Florida, Northern Eire star McIlroy expressed his sympathy for Woods’ plight.
“It sucks,” McIlroy stated of Woods damage.
“He doesn’t have a lot luck on the subject of accidents and his physique. Clearly he was attempting to ramp as much as prepare for Augusta, and Achilles surgical procedures clearly aren’t enjoyable.
“We clearly received’t see him play golf this 12 months, and hopefully we see him possibly play in 2026.” McIlroy, although, believes the fiercely pushed Woods will do all he can to be aggressive when he does ultimately return to health.
“He’ll strive. I do know he’ll strive,” McIlroy stated. “However that’s a query for him, not for me. I clearly don’t know what’s in his head. However judging by prior behaviour, he’ll undoubtedly strive.” McIlroy in the meantime mirrored on his personal profession as he gears up for his newest tilt at subsequent month’s Masters — the one main championship lacking from his assortment of US Open, British Open and two PGA Championships.
The 35-year-old star stated he would know when the time was proper to retire — and would reasonably stroll away from the game earlier than his type begins to say no.
“Every time I really feel just like the time is correct, I’ll don’t have any downside transferring apart and letting the following technology do their factor,” McIlroy stated.
“After I’ve achieved every little thing I wish to obtain within the sport and I get to the purpose the place I don’t assume I can possibly do this anymore. I’d additionally wish to stroll away with slightly bit left within the tank.
“I don’t wish to be on the market embarrassing myself. I’d wish to stroll away possibly slightly earlier than I ought to.
“I feel should you can come to phrases with that and stroll away by yourself phrases, then that’s a very good factor.”