Masters 2018: Tiger Woods reveals TRUTH behind Phil Mickelson rivalry

Woods and Mickelson have seven Green Jackets between them and they drew a huge crowd at Augusta today as they paired up for a practice round.

The American duo have had a long-standing rivalry ever since Woods broke onto the tour in 1996.

The 42-year-old would go on to dominate the world of golf while Mickelson had to make do with second or third-place finishes in majors.

They were paired together in the 2004 Ryder Cup and neither looked comfortable playing with each other.

Woods’ personal issues and injury problems have prevented the two from competing at the top against one another for several years now.

But the 14-time major champion admits it was his old nemesis who was often by his side during his rehabilitation stage.

"Phil was trying to help me out when I was trying to make a comeback,” Woods said.

“We've had a great 20 year battle and we're at the tail-end of our careers, and our friendship has grown stronger over the years."

And Mickelson was equally excited to play alongside Woods at Augusta.

“It was good to be able to watch what he was doing and how he was hitting it,” Mickelson said.

“I wanted to see him play.”