Spotlight on Woods provides respite for McIlroy at Masters

Tiger Woods's decision to give it a go at the Masters, 14 months after suffering serious injuries to his right leg in a rollover car crash, has a hidden benefit for his rivals.

Fans -- back in full strength at Augusta National this year after two years of Covid restrictions -- flock to Woods, leaving the likes of Northern Ireland star Rory McIlroy and two-time major winner Dustin Johnson to pursue the green jacket in relative peace.

Johnson, who won the Masters in 2020 when it was delayed to November because of the pandemic, said he always likes to "slide in under the radar."

The focus on Woods means McIlroy might face slightly fewer questions about his eighth attempt to complete a career Grand Slam at the Masters.

McIlroy said Woods's mere presence in the practice rounds, before he had even confirmed he planned to tee it up on Thursday, had riveted fans' attention.

"We were on the ninth green when Tiger and (Justin Thomas) and Freddie (Couples) teed off yesterday, and it was a mass exodus from the ninth green to the first tee," McIlroy said. "And then the back nine was lovely and quiet.

"That's a nice way to get through the first week and sort of go about your preparation -- unhindered."

But that doesn't mean McIlroy is unappreciative of the attention Woods brings to the game.

The 46-year-old hadn't played in more than a year when he was announced in March as the winner of the US PGA Tour's inaugural $8 million Player Impact Program bonus that rewards popularity based on factors such as internet searches generated, news articles written and sponsor exposure.

"He creates attention on the game of golf that no one else can," McIlroy said. "That's great for his peers. It's great for the media. It's great for this golf club. It's