The sport of golf needs Tiger Woods back on the tour but the American will not return to World No. 1, according to golfing icon Gary Player.

Woods, 39, who is a 14-time Major champion, is not expected to return to the course until 2016 after undergoing surgery on his back for the second time.

And Player, who himself won nine Major titles, believes it will be difficult for Woods to ever return to the top of the rankings and win more big tournaments – although he admits he would love to see it happen.

"I don't think that Tiger Woods will come back to No.1 again, I hope I'm wrong," the 79-year-old told Sport360 in Abu Dhabi at the launch of his new invitational event. 

"I would love to see him come back to number one again – golf needs Tiger Woods."