Tiger Woods date thrills Rory McIlroy

For although Tiger Woods is outside the world's top 20, he is still the best in many people's eyes.

McIlroy has been a fan since he was a child and was delighted when the draw pitched him with Woods for just the second time in his career. The 23-year-old, who will also play alongside Luke Donald, said: "He set the benchmark for a lot of guys and he's still the main attraction in golf and I don't think anyone would argue with that.

"I see him definitely contending for Majors. I played nine holes with him yesterday and his game looked in good shape.

"It's not often you get excited about Thursdays and Fridays but this is one of those times."