RORY McIlroy has hinted that Tiger Woods could return to competitive golf BEFORE they team up for The Match in December.

Golf legend Woods, 46, has been on a long road to recovery since his February 2021 car crash that almost left him unable to walk.

Woods required emergency surgery after suffering multiple leg breaks which left his professional golf career in doubt.

Nonetheless, Woods made a remarkable return at the Masters in April 2022.

He was forced to withdraw from the third round of the PGA Championship and was far from his best as he limped around St Andrews.

But the 82-time PGA Tour winner – who plummeted to a career-low ranking of 1,206 – could return at the Hero World Challenge next month before competing in The Match alongside world No1 McIlroy.

 McIlroy told Golf and Turismo: “Tiger overall is fine.

“He is still working hard on his rehabilitation. The road is long but improving day by day.

“After the Open Championship he had to take a break, but I think he can be back by the end of the year, maybe at the Hero World Challenge.”

The Athletic are reporting Woods will compete against Justin Thomas and Jordan Spieth.

The Match will be held on December 10 at Pelican Golf Club in Belleair.

It will be Woods’ third appearance on The Match with the competition going 12 holes.

The Match features an alternative format and is played for charity.