‘The Match’ Participant Woods: "I Will Support My Teammate McIlroy"

Tiger Woods (left) and Rory McIlroy are playing together during the practice round of The Open.

[Asia Economy Reporter No Woo-rae] 'Golf Emperor' Tiger Woods (USA) will serve as the cheerleader for Rory McIlroy (Northern Ireland) in the special event The Match.

On the 8th (local time), Woods said in an interview with ESPN, "I am on the same team as the world No. 1 player (McIlroy)," adding, "McIlroy will probably receive the support of the best cheerleader he has never experienced before." Woods will team up with McIlroy to compete in The Match held on the 10th in Bel Air, Florida, USA. Their opponents will be the team of Justin Thomas and Jordan Spieth (both from the USA).

The tournament will be played as a 12-hole match play. Two players on each team play with their own balls, and the better score counts as the team score for that hole. Victory can be achieved if either player performs well. Woods, who has not yet fully recovered his top condition, plans to trust and cheer enthusiastically for his teammate McIlroy.

Woods focused on treatment and rehabilitation after a traffic accident in February last year and made his comeback at the Masters in April. This year, he has participated in three major tournaments. He intended to participate in the Hero World Challenge earlier this month but withdrew due to pain in his right sole. Woods said, "Actually, there is no problem hitting the ball," and added, "It was difficult to move, but since carts can be used in this tournament, it will be a great help."

Woods appeared on the field for the first time since The Open in July. After this event, he will participate in the PNC Championship with his son Charlie, which will be held over two days starting on the 17th. The PNC Championship is an event on the PGA Champions (Senior) Tour.