McIlroy feels 'sorry' for Tiger amid health struggles

Rory McIlroy hasn't played in over a month, due to a rib injury - but he has been paying attention to Tiger Woods.

McIlroy expressed empathy towards Woods, when talking to Ewan Murray of the Guardian, about the 14-time major winner's recent struggles with his game on the course and with his health.

"I never thought I would say this but I felt sorry for him," McIlroy told Murray. "I just felt bad for the guy that his body won't allow him to do what he wants to do. I can't imagine anything so debilitating where you can't even stand up to do a press conference.

“Playing tournament golf would be a bonus and awesome but life is more important than golf, which is what people have to remember when talking about Tiger Woods. Everyone sees him as a golfer, not a person. Tiger doesn’t owe anyone in the game. He has nothing to prove to anyone. I just hope he gets healthy and happy.”

On Thursday, Pat Perez expressed his opinions on Woods' state of mind and possible future. Perez ultimately clarified his remarks about Woods later that evening.