Rose impressed with Woods’ form

Justin Rose was impressed with Tiger Woods after practising with the 14-time major champion ahead of the Hero World Challenge.

Woods is set to make his latest comeback later this week when he tees it up in the restricted-field event in a tournament he hosts and which benefits his charity.

The former world number one has not played a competitive round for more than 15 months and underwent two back operations last year to try and correct a long-standing problem.

The Florida resident made an abortive comeback attempt last month but bailed out, stating his game felt “vulnerable”.

However, he is now ready to return in the Bahamas and, as the golfing public ready themselves for the first sight of the American swinging a club since August 2015, Rose gave an upbeat bulletin on the legend’s progress.

“We’ve played today in a 20mph plus breeze and it’s quite an unforgiving wind, but the quality of Tiger’s play has been pretty good,” said the Olympic gold medallist.

“If Tiger wanted to test his game then these conditions, given as tough as they are, is a good test. He’s clearly driven the ball very, very well.”