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Phil Mickelson has echoed Rory McIlroy’s sentiments, saying that it’s premature to discuss whether or not Tiger Woods will ever return to golf following his horror car crash earlier this week.

Woods, 45, sustained serious injuries when the car he was driving left the road and rolled over multiple times during an accident early on Tuesday morning.

The 15-time major champion required emergency surgery on his right leg and ankle after being pulled from the wreckage of his Genesis SUV by emergency services.

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One of the first responders who attended to Woods said that he was lucky to survive the smash on what is a notorious accident black-spot just south of Los Angeles.

It is understood that the golf great has been moved to a different hospital to continue his recovery as questions fly about whether or not he will ever be able to compete again.

Rory McIlroy was quick to dismiss that speculation, telling reporters on Wednesday that the most important thing is that Woods survived the accident, and, speaking ahead of this week’s Cologuard Classic in Arizona, five-time major champion Mickelson concurred with the Northern Irishman.

“We all are hoping and praying for a full and speedy recovery,” said the 50-year-old. “We are also thankful because that looked awful. We are thankful he’s still with us.”

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“All the guys here understand and appreciate what he has meant to the game of golf and for us and the PGA Tour. We all are very appreciative and supportive of what he’s done for us, but right now that’s so far from our minds.

“I thought Rory McIlroy really said it well when he said that we’re just lucky and appreciative that his kids didn’t lose their father.”

Mickelson, meanwhile, is looking to make it three wins from three on the PGA Tour Champions following his 50th birthday last June.


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Michael McEwan is the Deputy Editor of bunkered and has been part of the team since 2004. In that time, he has interviewed almost every major figure within the sport, from Jack Nicklaus, to Rory McIlroy, to Donald Trump. The host of the multi award-winning bunkered Podcast and a member of Balfron Golfing Society, Michael is the author of three books and is the 2023 PPA Scotland 'Writer of the Year' and 'Columnist of the Year'. Dislikes white belts, yellow balls and iron headcovers. Likes being drawn out of the media ballot to play Augusta National.

Deputy Editor

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