McIlroy- Woods rivalry good for golf, says McDowell

London: Golfer Graeme McDowell believes Rory McIlroy`s battle with legendary Tiger Woods to be world`s number one player would be an electrifying phenomenon for the game.

Woods` charge at the Arnold Palmer Invitational, which McIlroy is not playing, has given him a great chance to regain top spot. Overnight leader Woods, who played just two holes of his final round before thunderstorms caused an early suspension, will return to Bay Hill on Monday with a three-shot lead. Former US Open champion McDowell, who managed to complete a three-under-par 69 in windy conditions, said there is no doubt it makes golf better with Woods in this kind of form, adding the American ace is the rightful favourite for The Masters but it will also motivate McIlroy for sure. McDowell added McIlroy has been No 1 for a while and having this kind of challenge will definitely gee him up, adding when you`ve achieved many of your goals, your motivations disappear and this will help him refocus. Woods has chalked up six victories on the US tour in the past 12 months and looks in ominous form now all his injury worries are behind him, and McDowell said Woods transcends the game of golf, especially when he is playing like he is now. McDowell added Woods got to the pinnacle before and knows what it takes to stay there and that is one of the things that makes him so formidable. ANI