Woods is making his competitive return to action after nine months out with a back injury.

The former world number one, who pulled out of the Dubai Desert Classic with back spasms, has undergone multiple operations in order to revive his flagging career.

Thomas meanwhile, enjoyed a stunning 2017, winning his maiden Major, lifting the FedExCup as well as being named the PGA Tour’s Player of the Year.

Woods and Thomas will be paired together for the first round of the Hero World Challenge, which is a 16-man field.

And Thomas is in no doubt that he wants to wipe the floor with Woods.

He said: “I’m also looking forward to trying to kick his a**, to be perfectly honest.”

Thomas did however, pay tribute to Woods and explain the impact he’s had on the game.

“If he hadn’t done everything he’s done, we wouldn’t have the sponsors we have,” Thomas added.

“If it wasn’t for him we wouldn’t be playing for the amount of money that we’re playing for.

“Obviously there’s a lot of other players, but there’s nobody that moves the needle like him, even now. 

“If he had 15 wins and two majors, then yeah, people wouldn’t care as much, but he has 79 and 14 majors.”