Northern Irishman, Rory McIlroy has said that Tiger Woods was responding to treatment and could be out by next week. The golf legend survived a ghastly car crash last month that left him unconscious and resulted in multiple fractures.

Woods had, before the accident, said that he hoped to be back in full swing this season and participate in major tournaments, something that now seems almost impossible given his current state. He has been at Cedars Sinai Medical Center where he has received care since the accident.

McIlroy revealed that he has been in constant touch with Woods and has received both encouraging words as well as criticism from the golf pro. Speaking on air as the star guest of a TV show recently, McIlroy believes that Woods could be home soon; “Hopefully, if things go well over the next week or so he might be able to get home and start his recovery at home, which will be great for him to see his kids, see his family. I just think all of us are wishing him a speedy recovery at this point.” McIlroy was among the players who wore red and black as a form of homage to Woods at the WGC-Workday Championship, a gesture Woods appreciated.

He also revealed that even though Woods was away, he was still giving him some tips and lessons; “He text me some words of encouragement before the final round of Bay Hill on Sunday and things didn’t quite go to plan and he was the first one to text me and be like ‘What’s going on here?’ So even from the hospital bed, he’s still giving me some heat.”

Bryson DeChambeau, who won the Arnold Palmer Invitational on Sunday, said that he drew inspiration from a text from Woods. PGA Tour commissioner, Jay Monahan, said that even in his absence, they would still celebrate a legendary putt he made back in 2001; “With 2021 being the 20th anniversary of the ‘better than most’ putt that took place in 2001. While we’ll celebrate this moment on Saturday, talk of Tiger’s future in golf can wait.”

Written by: Leon Osamor