Rory McIlroy has expressed confidence that Tiger Woods will attempt another comeback following his recent Achilles tendon rupture, whilst firmly ruling out any similar late-career persistence for himself.
Woods underwent surgery on Tuesday after suffering the injury during practice sessions.
The setback comes as Woods was reportedly increasing his training load in preparation for upcoming tournaments.
"It sucks. He doesn't have much luck when it comes to injuries and his body," McIlroy said ahead of the Players Championship at Sawgrass.
The Northern Irishman believes Woods will try to return to competitive golf, potentially in 2026.
"Hoping he's in good spirits and hoping he's doing okay. We obviously won't see him play golf this year, and hopefully we see him maybe play in 2026," McIlroy continued.
When asked if Woods would attempt a comeback, McIlroy was unequivocal.
"He'll try to come back. I know he'll try. But that's a question for him, not for me," he said.
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"I obviously don't know what's in his head. But judging by prior behaviour, he'll definitely try."
The 15-time major winner has previously overcome multiple serious injuries to return to competitive golf.
McIlroy revealed that Woods had been working to increase his training intensity before the injury occurred.
"Well, he said he'd only touched a club three times or something, so I wouldn't say he'd have been necessarily close," he explained.
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"But he was obviously trying to get closer by ramping up and training and practising and doing whatever he was doing."
The Northern Irishman suggested Woods was attempting to make up for lost preparation time.
"Yeah, I'd say he was trying to catch up on some lost time there," he added.
Woods had reportedly been targeting a return to form ahead of major tournaments.
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While Woods may continue pursuing his career into his 50s, McIlroy has emphatically ruled out following a similar path.
"I will not play Champions Tour golf," the 35-year-old stated firmly.
"Look, I've said a lot of absolutes in my time that I've walked back, but I do not envision playing Champions Tour golf.
"Something has went terribly wrong if I have to compete at golf at 50."
He continued: "I'm very happy to move aside for the younger generation to come through.
"I'd also like to walk away with a little bit left in the tank. I don't want to be out there embarrassing myself.
"I'd like to walk away maybe a little before I should. Put it that way. There's always one more.
"I think if you can come to terms with that and walk away on your own terms, then that's a good thing."
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Woods underwent surgery on Tuesday after suffering the injury during practice sessions.
The setback comes as Woods was reportedly increasing his training load in preparation for upcoming tournaments.
"It sucks. He doesn't have much luck when it comes to injuries and his body," McIlroy said ahead of the Players Championship at Sawgrass.
The Northern Irishman believes Woods will try to return to competitive golf, potentially in 2026.
"Hoping he's in good spirits and hoping he's doing okay. We obviously won't see him play golf this year, and hopefully we see him maybe play in 2026," McIlroy continued.
When asked if Woods would attempt a comeback, McIlroy was unequivocal.
"He'll try to come back. I know he'll try. But that's a question for him, not for me," he said.
JUST IN: Mohamed Salah behaviour will set off alarm bells after PSG beat Liverpool in Champions League
"I obviously don't know what's in his head. But judging by prior behaviour, he'll definitely try."
The 15-time major winner has previously overcome multiple serious injuries to return to competitive golf.
McIlroy revealed that Woods had been working to increase his training intensity before the injury occurred.
"Well, he said he'd only touched a club three times or something, so I wouldn't say he'd have been necessarily close," he explained.
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"But he was obviously trying to get closer by ramping up and training and practising and doing whatever he was doing."
The Northern Irishman suggested Woods was attempting to make up for lost preparation time.
"Yeah, I'd say he was trying to catch up on some lost time there," he added.
Woods had reportedly been targeting a return to form ahead of major tournaments.
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While Woods may continue pursuing his career into his 50s, McIlroy has emphatically ruled out following a similar path.
"I will not play Champions Tour golf," the 35-year-old stated firmly.
"Look, I've said a lot of absolutes in my time that I've walked back, but I do not envision playing Champions Tour golf.
"Something has went terribly wrong if I have to compete at golf at 50."
He continued: "I'm very happy to move aside for the younger generation to come through.
"I'd also like to walk away with a little bit left in the tank. I don't want to be out there embarrassing myself.
"I'd like to walk away maybe a little before I should. Put it that way. There's always one more.
"I think if you can come to terms with that and walk away on your own terms, then that's a good thing."
Find Out More...