Tiger Woods (L) of the US shares a laugh with golf legend Arnold Palmer after he won the Arnold Palmer Invitational PGA golf tournament in Orlando, Florida, US on March 25, 2013. [Photo/Agencies]

His most recent major title came on one of those bum knees at the 2008 US Open at Torrey Pines, and since then he's looked less and less likely to break the record of 18 majors won by Jack Nicklaus.

The man who reigned at No 1 for 683 weeks isn't even in the top 700 now.

Doesn't matter, says McIlroy.

"Tiger brings an aura and an atmosphere to a tournament that no one else in golf can bring," said McIlroy, who like everyone else is eager to see what Woods will produce next.

"It's different trying to get back from an injury at 40 years old than it is when you're in your 20s or early 30s," McIlroy said.

"I think that's why it's been over a year since we have seen him on a golf course; it takes longer to reach that level.

"It would be great to see him give it one last shot ... hopefully he can get back on the course and stay healthy for a prolonged period of time and give it one last go."

Silverado offers a challenging layout, but does not rank among the tour's toughest.