Tiger Woods competing at Masters would be 'phenomenal' for golf, Rory McIlroy says

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As the golf world holds its breath awaiting the possible return of Tiger Woods to the 2022 Masters, one of his competitors said Wednesday having the five-time champion back in the fold would be great for the sport. 

Rory McIlroy, a four-time major champion, was at Augusta National Golf Club Tuesday, the same day Woods arrived with his son, Charlie, to likely gauge how his body reacts to walking the hilly course, Sports Illustrated reported. 

"I think for golf and for the Masters tournament and for everyone, to have Tiger there would be phenomenal,’’ McIlroy said at TPC San Antonio, where he's competing in this week's Valero Texas Open. "I think it just adds to the event. Obviously, it does."

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Tiger Woods of the U.S. (right) shakes hands with Rory McIlroy of Northern Ireland at the first hole tee at a "Japan Skins" pre-match ahead of the ZOZO Championship golf tournament at the Narashino Country Club in Inzai, Chiba prefecture Oct. 21, 2019. (Toshifumi Kitamura/AFP via Getty Images)

"Anything Tiger Woods does in the game of golf is heightened whenever he's there. I mean, it would be awesome for him to be there," McIlroy added. "You know, he was there yesterday obviously, and he's trying to see what he can do. Obviously, no one knows but him if he can make it around and think if he believes he can compete."

McIlroy, who watched Woods' performance at the 1997 Masters, called the 46-year-old golfer his "inspiration."

Rory McIlroy of Northern Ireland tees off on the second hole during the final round of the Genesis Invitational golf tournament at Riviera Country Club Feb. 20, 2022, in the