Rory McIlroy appeared concerned about the future of Tiger Woods after learning that the 14-time major winner had to go through a third back surgery in 18 months on Thursday.
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After his third round at the Turkish Airlines Open, the world No3 said it is going to be a “long road back” for Woods.
“I think any time you touch your back, it is tough. It looks like it is a long road to recovery for him and I just hope he gets better, not just to play golf but just for everyday life.
“That’s his third back surgery in just over a year and like someone once said, the best way to avoid your fifth back surgery is not to do the first one. But it’s a procedure he needed to get done. I just hope he gets better.”
McIlroy agreed with Woods’ own statement that he was a stubborn person and would come back, but added: “I know. He has that mindset that he can overcome things and he has overcome things before. But as I said. I think it will be a long road ahead.
“He is missed by the game of golf. I am not sure the players miss being beaten by him every week. The game of golf, we were so lucky and so privileged to have him spearheading our sport for so long.”
A couple of general observations about the use of gym by the players in the Maxx Royal, the official hotel of the tournament – one, Rafael Cabrera-Bello makes the most use of the facility, and two, the Scandinavian golfers have clearly embraced physical fitness.
I have seen Cabrera-Bello is there with his trainer everyday and for at least a couple of hours. No wonder the Spaniard is looking so buff these days.
And the Scandinavians look like they are all motivated by Henrik Stenson, who has attributed his fitness as one of the main reasons of his success over the past couple of years.
There is a whole bunch of them that takes over a part of the gym, and it is almost like a group session where everyone is helping and motivating each other, and guys showing off new moves and exercises.