It sucks – Rory McIlroy saddened by Tiger Woods' fresh injury setback

Rory McIlroy does not expect to see Tiger Woods return to action until 2026 after the 15-time major winner suffered another injury setback.

Woods is yet to compete on the PGA Tour this season and revealed on Tuesday that he has undergone surgery for a ruptured Achilles tendon while preparing for a possible return to action in April’s Masters.

“It sucks,” McIlroy said when asked for his reaction ahead of the Players Championship at Sawgrass.

“He doesn’t have much luck when it comes to injuries and his body. Obviously he was trying to ramp up to get ready for Augusta, and Achilles surgeries obviously aren’t fun. 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.”

Asked if Woods could be competitive when he returns, McIlroy added: “He’ll try. I know he’ll try. But that’s a question for him, not for me. I obviously don’t know what’s in his head. But judging by prior behaviour, he’ll definitely try.”

McIlroy’s estimated timeline for Woods to return to action chimes with the opinion of consultant chartered physiotherapist Sammy Margo, who told the PA news agency how long the 49-year-old is likely to be sidelined for.

As I began to ramp up my own training and practice at home, I felt a sharp pain in my left Achilles, which was deemed to be ruptured.

This morning, Dr. Charlton Stucken of Hospital for Special Surgery in West Palm Beach, Florida performed a minimally-invasive Achilles tendon… pic.twitter.com/KAVZfcRxlE

— Tiger Woods (@TigerWoods) March 11, 2025

“The immediate post-surgery phase is up to two weeks, when you’re not mobilising and you’re not weight-bearing,” Margo said.

“Then the early rehab is about two to six weeks