Rory McIlroy has said that he is "very lucky" to have learnt from Tiger Woods and has described the American as "the best player I have ever seen".
Woods will make his return to golf at The Masters this week after dropping out of the top 100 for the first time in his career.
"To think not so long ago I was that little boy watching him on television," McIlroy told BBC Sport.
"I'm very lucky to have been able to get close to him and learn some stuff.
"I got a chance to play with and against someone I looked up to. Now I am on the flipside of that and it's neat because I have been able to be part of different generations."
McIlroy will complete his career grand slam if he wins The Masters this week.