Golf-McIlroy hopes to see Woods return from injury in 2026

Mar 8, 2025; Orlando, Florida, USA; Rory McIlroy plays his shot from the third tee during the third round of the Arnold Palmer Invitational golf tournament at Bay Hill. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-Imagn Images/ File Photo

(Reuters) - Four-times major champion Rory McIlroy said on Wednesday he does not expect Tiger Woods, who had surgery this week for a ruptured Achilles tendon, to return to competition this year.

Woods, 49, did not offer insight on the severity of his latest injury setback or a recovery timeline but McIlroy thinks the 15-times major winner has a long period of recuperation ahead of him.