R&A chief hopes Woods returns but laments 'the game also moves on'

The R&A held its annual press conference Wednesday at Royal Birkdale Golf Club, with chief executive Martin Slumbers speaking on behalf of the committee.

One of the many topics he touched on was the status of Tiger Woods, who was crowned "Champion Golfer of the Year" three times in his career, but is missing his seventh straight major championship this week.

"I would love to see him tee it up here again," said Slumbers. "I hope he gets well. I hope he gets fit. I hope he falls back in love with golf. I hope he tees it up at The Open. He'd be extremely welcomed. But the game also moves on.

Slumbers spoke about Woods' three wins, especially his triumph at St Andrews in 2000, where he won by eight shots, and never found any of the 112 bunkers on the Old Course during the tournament.

"The second half of my golfing life was watching Tiger play. I think the sport should be eternally grateful for the transformation he drove in golf."