Tiger Woods, his 39th birthday looming in December, laughed off 20-something Rory McIlroy's recent estimation the 14-time major winner and compatriot Phil Mickelson are on the back nine of their careers.

"I thought it was funny," a relaxed Woods said on Monday as he promoted the Hero World Challenge unofficial event he will host in Florida in December.

"I mean," he said, "Phil has less holes to play than I do, though."