Nike-sponsored Francesco Molinari has said he hopes to face an in-form Tiger Woods in the future.
The former world number one has been battling off-course problems and a range of injuries in the last two years, and has struggled to find his form when he has been on-course.
However, the Italian has said he still hopes pit his wits against a fully-fit Woods, widely regarded as one of the best to ever play the game.
With the 35-year-old still not having confirmed when he will return to the sport, there are now doubts hanging over his future and his hopes of surpassing Jack Nicklaus' record of 15 majors.
Molinari told Sky Sports News: "Everybody out here wants him to come back at his best.
"As professionals well all want to play against him at his best so we can only wish him well and hopefully he'll be back sooner rather than later."
Woods has pulled out of the Open this year, so fans will not get the opportunity to see him surging through the field in his trademark red golf shirt.