Former Ryder Cup captain Paul McGinley believes that the return of Tiger Woods at next month's Masters may help Rory Mcilroy as it would divert some of the spotlight from the world number one.
McGinley, who guided Europe to the Ryder Cup last year, said that at the US PGA last year, Rory was favourite but all the expectation focused on Tiger, adding that Rory didn't sneak in the back door, but he was able to go about his business, the BBC reported.
14-times major champion Woods withdrew from last month's Farmers Insurance Open at Torrey Pines, his second start of the season, because of tightness in his back, stating that he was taking an indefinite break from the professional game.
Last week, Woods had expressed he was hoping to make a comeback at Augusta, while Mcilroy needs the Masters to complete the set of major titles.
The Masters in Augusta, which Woods has won four times, will commence from 9 April.