Rory McIlroy has said golf without Tiger Woods “doesn’t bear thinking about” after the 14-time major winner admitted he does not know when he will play again.

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A downbeat Woods, who turns 40 on December 30, appeared before the media on the eve of the Hero World Challenge, the 18-man tournament hosted by his foundation, to announce he does not have a timescale for his return.

Woods said he has not been able to begin rehabilitation work for the two back operations he has had since his last start over three months ago.

Asked about his return, he told a press conference: “I have no answer for that. Neither does my surgeon or my physio. There is no timetable.”

Woods’ comments have led to speculation that his glittering career may be coming to an end, but he has received words of support from world number three McIlroy.

The Northern Irishman posted a photo of the pair together on Instagram, along with the words: “Wishing my idol and friend a speedy recovery. Golf without him doesn’t bear thinking about. Hope to see you back on the course soon @tigerwoods.”

Woods, who revealed video games have been one of his main pastimes, insists his hope is to resume his career and “get after it with these guys”.

But he also acknowledged that any good golf from now on would be “gravy” on top of a career that saw him ranked number one in the world for 623 weeks. He is now ranked 400.