McIlroy: Tiger ´exceeded everyone’s expectations´ in return

Rory McIlroy, like everyone else, tuned in to watch Tiger Woods’ thrilling return to golf at the Hero World Challenge last week.

And like most viewers, he walked away impressed with the 14-time major champion.

Woods finished the event with a disappointing four-over 76 on the final round that dropped him back to 15th out of 17 competitors at four under.

Despite the poor finish, there were a number of positives to take from his return after an absence of more than 15 months.

“I think he exceeded everyone’s expectations, not sure if he exceeded his own, but he definitely made some great swings,” McIlroy said.

“He looked comfortable, he looked happy which I thought was the most interesting thing. He looked happy to be out there, which we probably haven’t seen in a while.

“Anytime we saw him on a golf course in the last couple of years he had the furrowed brow and he has been so concentrated. But he looked happy so obviously that tells you he has been away and he has come back out happy and he is in a better place.”