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McIlroy thinks Woods 'exceeded everyone's expectations' in return

Phil Noble / REUTERS

From one superstar to another.

World No. 2 Rory McIlroy offered some sincere analysis of Tiger Woods - his childhood hero - promising return to the PGA Tour last week.

"I think he exceeded everyone’s expectations, not sure if he exceeded his own, but he definitely made some great swings," McIlroy told Brian Keogh of the Irish Golf Desk.

"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."

McIlroy, coming off a FedEx Cup-winning season in 2016, liked what he saw in Tiger's game at the Hero World Challenge.

"I thought he is definitely swinging it much better now that he was when he went away. His rhythm was great, looks really smooth, he looks really comfortable, looks like he is not going after it as hard. It was good," McIlroy said.

Naturally, McIlroy was asked the question that's been on the entire golf world's mind over the past few years: Can Tiger win another major?

“Why not?" McIlroy said. "You don’t hit 24 birdies in a week and not show good signs.

"I know it is different and it is not the same as other tournaments but there is definitely good reason for everyone to be excited."

Woods and McIlroy have often been linked, as Rory's ascension to superstardom rapidly drew comparisons to the 14-time major winner. But now, for the first time in a while, it looks like two of the biggest names in the sport will have a chance to compete together.

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