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Add Rory McIlroy to the list of people excited about a potential Tiger Woods comeback at next week’s Masters.

Speculation is intensifying that 15-time major champion Woods will peg it up at Augusta National for the opening men’s major of the season in what would be his first competitive appearance on tour since the November Masters in 2020.

The former world No.1 paid a visit to the course yesterday, where it was reported he simulated tournament conditions in order to assess how his body responded.

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Now, golf fans around the world are on tenterhooks as they await an official announcement from Woods over whether or not he’ll play.

Speaking ahead of this week’s Valero Texas Open, McIlroy admitted he’s as keen as anybody for Tiger to be there.

“I think for golf and for the Masters Tournament and for everyone, to have Tiger there would be phenomenal,” said the career grand slam-chasing Northern Irishman.

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“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. It would be awesome for him to be there.

“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.”

McIlroy also paid a visit to Augusta this week – playing the course both Monday and Tuesday – and admitted he has changed his prep a little as he bids to finally land a Green Jacket.

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“I just went there on my own,” he said. “I didn’t go with any members. I didn’t stay on property. I just wanted to come and see the golf course.

“Obviously there’s some changes to the golf course on 11 and 15, and three new greens on three, 13 and 17. I just wanted to go there and just see that for myself and do a little bit of a scouting trip that I haven’t really done the last couple years.”


author headshot

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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