‘Happy’ Tiger Woods may play in Portstewart, says Rory McIlroy

Rory McIlroy believes a “happy” Tiger Woods can be a force again and the Ulsterman’s team does not rule out an Irish Open appearance by the 14-time major winner at Portstewart next year.

The world No 2 joined Pádraig Harrington and Shane Lowry and a host of stars at the Excellence in Sport Awards in aid of the Irish Youth Foundation in Dublin on Monday. As he picked up his Sportsperson of the Year award, McIlroy confessed he was impressed by Woods’ return to action after a 15-month layoff in last week’s Hero World Challenge.

“And while he knows Woods, 41 on December 30, faces more competition than ever, McIlroy believes the American’s game is still good enough to contend for majors and win them.