GOLF: Dream pairing for Rory McIlroy in Genesis Invitational

Eyes will be on Rory McIlroy this week as the world number two will play his first two rounds of the Genesis Invitational alongside the returning Tiger Woods and world number seven Justin Thomas.

15-time major champion Woods, who has not played an event without the use of a cart since last summer’s Open Championship, is looking forward to a return to competitive golf this week.

Ahead of the tournament, the 47-year-old said: "I’m excited to be able to compete and to play here at Riviera, where basically it all started.

"I would not have put myself out here if I didn’t think I could beat these guys and win the event. That’s my mentality and even though I’m very rusty, I’ve come off rusty situations before and done well.

"If I’m playing, I play to win. I know that players have played and they are ambassadors of the game and try to grow the game. I can’t wrap my mind around that as a competitor. If I’m playing in the event I’m going to try and beat you. I’m there to get a W (win)."

The Genesis Invitational will be live on Sky Sports Golf.