The American has thrown his support behind the 32-year-old – who will not be playing at The Masters in 2024. During an appearance on the LIV Golf broadcast of their Miami tournament, Norman gave Gooch a very high form of praise.

“Talor Gooch is the best iron player in the game of golf in the past 20 years that I’ve personally witnessed,” he said. “I’ve just loved watching him. His iron play is so precise.” This proved controversial as shocked fans shared their responses in the comments, and one name kept coming up. “Tiger might like a word,” one posted.

“Everybody knows Tiger is the best in history”, this fan said while another added: “Tiger Woods ever heard of him.” One joked user said: “He must’ve never witnessed Tiger play golf,” while another wrote: “Tiger: “Hold my beer.” Woods is regarded by many as the greatest golf player of all time. He has 15 majors to his name, the last of which came at The Masters in 2019. It was confirmed on Friday that the 48-year-old, who has not played since the Genesis Open in February, will return to action at Augusta on April 11.

His official website posted an update in which the first golf major of the year had been added to his schedule. Though there is plenty of excitement to see the golf legend compete on the biggest stage once again, there are concerns over his lack of golf and whether his body can withstand the rigours of competing at another major.

After he began playing at the Genesis Open, he withdrew ahead of the second round and there has been no update from the player regarding his fitness. But the six-time Masters winner seems ready for action and will keep his caddie Lance Bennett for the tournament, according to Golf Monthly, meaning he will have the same caddie at consecutive events for the first time in a year.Woods is regarded by many as the greatest golf player of all time

Commenting on why he hired Bennet in February, Woods said: “As far as Lance is concerned, I’ve had a great relationship with him over the years going back to when he caddied for Kuch and when we played at the Presidents Cup together back in, what, Muirfield Village.

“In all the years that we’ve been on Ryder Cups and Presidents Cups together and the times I’ve been able to play with him in the same groups. Very down to earth, very loyal and how he conversated through the years, I’ve also taken notice of that.

“We’ve had the same type of feels in how we look at the golf course and how we read putts, they’re very similar. I think we’re going to be a great team and look forward to the challenge.” Woods will make his 26th appearance at The Masters in 2024, where he will look to break the record for successive cuts made at the major.